<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> In the United States, a state court has jurisdiction over disputes with some connection to a U.S. state, as opposed to the federal government . State courts handle the vast majority of civil and criminal cases in the United States; United States federal courts handle different types of cases . </P> <P> Generally, state courts are common law courts, and apply their respective state laws and procedures to decide cases . They are organized pursuant to and apply the law in accordance with their state's constitution, state statutes, and binding decisions of courts in their state court hierarchy . Where applicable, they also apply federal law . Generally, a single judicial officer, usually called a judge, exercises original jurisdiction by presiding over contested criminal or civil actions which culminate in trials . The decisions of lower courts may be reviewed by a panel of a state court of appeals (known as a "court of appeal" in three states). Generally, there is a state supreme court that oversees the court system . In matters that involve issues of federal law, the final decision of a state supreme court (including refusals to hear final appeals) may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court (which also has the discretion to refuse to hear them). </P>

Where do the vast majority of trials take place in the united states