What is a court?

A court is a legal institution or program (often run by the government) that is responsible for settling disputes and making sure that laws are followed. In Massachusetts, courts can be either civil or criminal. Civil courts are where people can take civil cases (such as malpractice suits, divorce proceedings, or disputes over contracts). The court will decide who is right and wrong in the case, and the person who is deemed wrong will have to pay a certain sum of money or other form of restitution, depending on the situation. Criminal courts are where people are tried for breaking laws. In Massachusetts, criminal court is overseen by a judge who will listen to the evidence that has been presented by the prosecutors, and the defense attorneys. The judge will decide on the punishment for the defendant if they are found guilty. The court can also make decisions on questions of law, such as whether a law is being applied properly. No matter the type of court, the court will always be based on a legal system of justice and fairness, in order to ensure the best outcome for all parties involved.

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What is a court?

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