State courts are judicial bodies that have authority over cases within a specific state's jurisdiction. They handle a wide range of legal matters, including criminal and civil cases, and their decisions are binding within their respective states.
Related terms
Federalism: The division of power between the federal government and state governments.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: When both federal and state courts have the authority to hear a case.
Supreme Court: The highest court in the land with final authority on interpreting laws, including those relating to federalism.