WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. judicial system includes different levels of courts that hear legal cases involving different types of laws.
Federal courts work on cases related to federal laws and lawsuits involving state government or the Constitution. They also hear tax and bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy laws help people who can no longer pay their creditors get a fresh start.
State and territory courts oversee legal issues related to juveniles, families, estates, and more.
County and municipal courts hear cases involving local laws, petty offenses, and traffic violations. County courts and municipal courts may preside over cases such as petty offenses like shoplifting, jaywalking, burn-ban infractions, traffic infractions, and other violations of local laws.