What Is the Difference Between State & Federal Court Systems?

State and federal courts have different jurisdictions and structures.

The idea behind federalism is that more than one legal system has input into how laws are interpreted. This dualism prevents too much power from either the federal or state courts, a system known as checks and balances.

Federal Structure

The federal court system is made up of the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts: 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals, 94 U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Claims, and the U.S. Court of International Trade, all of which were established by Congress.

State Structure

According to USCourts.gov. every state has its own system with most having specific courts such as juvenile court, probate court, family court, and others that oversee specific legal issues.

Cases

Federal court cases deal with constitutional law, cases between two or more states, or those that involve public figures, says USCourts.gov. State courts deal with criminal, contractual, tort, or family related cases.

Judges

State court judges can be publicly elected or appointed. However, federal court judges are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment, voluntary retirement, or death.

Appeals

State court cases are appealed to the Court of Appeals or higher state appeals courts; parties can appeal to federal courts but they are not required to hear all state cases. Federal appeals go to the U.S. Court of Appeals and then the Supreme Court.

References

• U.S. Courts: Comparing Federal and State Court Systems