What type of courts are considered trial courts at the state level?

Trial courts at the state level are primarily responsible for hearing cases for the first time, making determinations of fact and law based on the evidence presented. District Courts and Circuit Courts are typically designated as trial courts in many states, where they handle a wide range of cases, including criminal and civil matters.

These courts conduct trials, manage jury selection, and make rulings on the admission of evidence. They also determine the credibility of witnesses and the merits of legal arguments presented during the trial process.

In contrast, Supreme Courts and Appellate Courts generally do not conduct trials. Instead, they handle appeals and review decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly. Family Courts and Juvenile Courts are specialized courts that may conduct trials related to specific issues but do not represent the general category of trial courts in the broad sense, as they focus on specific types of cases. Military Courts and Tribunals deal with offenses under military law and are not part of the general state court system that encompasses trial courts. Thus, the designation of District Courts and Circuit Courts as trial courts accurately reflects their primary function within the judicial system.