The United States has a dual court system consisting of:

The United States operates under a dual court system, which is a fundamental aspect of its judicial framework. This system is divided primarily into two levels: state courts and federal courts. Each system has its own jurisdiction, functions, and types of cases it is responsible for adjudicating.

State courts handle the vast majority of legal disputes, including issues related to state law, family law, real estate, and most criminal cases. Each state has its own court system with various levels, including trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and a state supreme court.

Federal courts, on the other hand, have limited jurisdiction defined by the Constitution and federal law. They typically handle cases that involve federal statutes, constitutional issues, or disputes involving parties from different states. The federal courts also include specialized courts, such as bankruptcy and tax courts.

The duality of the court system allows for a more localized approach to legal issues at the state level while maintaining a uniform application of federal law across the country. This structure provides a system of checks and balances, as well as ensuring that disputes can be resolved in a manner that is sensitive to both state and national interests.