Court is the process through which people, businesses and the government settle disputes with the help of a judge or jury. It is a central part of most civil and criminal legal systems. Without it, there would be no peaceful way for a person to decide whether another person did something wrong and, if they did, what kind of punishment they should get.
The Supreme Court and other federal courts issue decisions in cases that they hear. These decisions are called “opinions.”
These opinions are not binding on other courts, but many judges use them to decide the outcome of their cases. The opinions may contain information about the law or other issues in the case that the judge wants to know about. The decisions also often explain why the judge did what she did.
Most states have their own court systems with trial courts and higher courts that deal with more complicated or serious matters. Some states have specialty courts that deal with things like housing or family matters.
The most important thing to remember when you go to a court is to be respectful. Judges, the other people involved in the case and the Judiciary staff all expect to be treated with respect. This is especially true in smaller, local courts where the judge might be a friend or acquaintance. Also, make sure that you turn off or silence your cell phone when you are in the courtroom.