ABSTRACT
This chapter explains in detail the consequences of federalism for the judicial process. It discusses state courts and examines federal courts. The chapter addresses federal court administration and also considers the relationship between state and federal courts. Each state is responsible for creating its own court system; therefore, considerable variation exists between states in the structures and procedures of their respective courts. Some trial courts of limited jurisdiction house an important innovation, known as problem-solving justice. Most states call their trial courts of general jurisdiction superior court, district court, or county court. In 39 states and Puerto Rico, at least one intermediate appellate court is located just above the trial court of general jurisdiction in the hierarchy of state courts. The district courts are the federal system's trial courts of general jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is the most powerful court in America, and the only court the Constitution mentions by name.
