ABSTRACT
The fifty states in the United States have unique and independent court systems. As in the federal system, each of the fifty states has its own constitution that sets forth the powers and authority of its trial and appellate courts. The US Supreme Court receives a majority of public and media attention, decisions by state jurists has a far greater immediate impact on public policy. The influence of state courts stems from three factors. First, a vast majority of all criminal violations are violations of state law, and decisions are rendered by the state courts. Second, state courts are most likely the final arbiters of any given case. Finally, interest groups and other national organizations have used the differences in the state court systems to engage in a process of choosing the court system most likely to result in a desired outcome.
