General Sessions: This is the court most would consider small claims court. These judges can hear civil matters that involve up to $25,000.00 or other types of matters if authorized by the state legislature (e.g. probate, family court, etc.). Appeals from general sessions are heard in the Circuit Court (except probate matters which are heard in Chancery)
Circuit: This is a court of general jurisdiction meaning you can bring any type of matter here (unless a statute specifically states that it must be brought in Chancery Court). This court has a unlimited monetary jurisdiction. Appeals from Circuit Court are heard in the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Circuit court is also the criminal court.
Chancery: Tennessee is one of three states which still has separate Circuit and Chancery courts. In old English law these two courts served very different roles, but over time the distinct roles of these courts have become blurred which is why most states have done away with the distinction. Chancery Court is still considered a "court of equity." This is a court of general jurisdiction meaning you can bring any type of matter here (unless a statute specifically states that it must be brought in Circuit Court). This court has a unlimited monetary jurisdiction. Appeals from Chancery Court are heard in the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
They have different names in different states. Which state are you talking about?Additional: That would be the state appelatecourts.
district courts
State trial courts are typically referred to as circuit courts. The United States Supreme Court is known as the highest court in the land.
Although some New York jurisdictions may have additional trial courts, the three main trial courts in the New York state court system are Supreme Courts, Family Courts, and Surrogate's Courts. These three types of courts are located in every county. For more information on New York courts, visit the New York Courts Directory related link.
Appellate Courts
The District courts are often described as the Chief Trial court of the state, and as group these courts are called the general trail courts.
The names (or existence) of particular courts will vary state by state, but generally states have a trial courts which has general jurisdiction, trial courts with specific jurisdiction over some specific type of case such as traffic offenses, appeals courts, and a state supreme court.
Four Levels of state courts from lowest to highestLower State Courts Magistrate courts or police courts Municipal Courts Special Small Claim Courts General Trial Courts General Trial Courts Courts of Record Appellate Courts Intermediate Appellate Courts State Supreme Court State Supreme Court Court of Last Resort
The State Supreme Court
The two classications of courts are civil courts and criminal courts. Governmental divisions include federal, state, county, and municipal courts. A further division of federal and state courts is into trial courts and appeals courts.
In federal court, the district courts can have jury trials. If the opposing parties in a suit agree to waive their right to a jury trial, the judge may preside and enter a verdict. In state court, the answer is less straightforward because each state has its own court structure. States often have specialized courts specifically for family law, probate, or small claims, but generally there are 3 basic levels in a state court system: 1. Supreme Court (the highest court in the state) [no jury] 2. Appellate (or appeals) courts [no jury] 3. Trial courts [jury]. The trial courts are called by different names in different states so it's confusing (for example, in California trial courts are called 'superior courts' and in Alabama they are called 'circuit courts.')
district courts