What is a court?

A court is a government institution that is responsible for administering justice. In Pennsylvania, the courts are divided into two categories: federal courts and state courts. Federal courts are the final authority on federal laws, while state courts are responsible for interpreting state laws. In Pennsylvania, the court system is made up of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and the Courts of Common Pleas. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and the final authority on issues of state law. The Superior Court handles appeals from the lower courts. The Commonwealth Court handles cases involving public entities, the environment, and other kinds of disputes not heard in the Supreme Court. The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts and hear cases involving civil and criminal matters. When a person goes to court in Pennsylvania, they will go before either a judge or a jury. A judge is a legal expert who decides the outcome of a case based on the facts and evidence presented. A jury is a group of citizens that hears the evidence presented in a case and then makes a decision on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Going to court can be a confusing and intimidating experience for many people. It is important for individuals to understand the court system and their rights as a defendant or witness. The court system exists to ensure justice is served and all parties receive a fair hearing.

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What is a court?

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