The Critical Role of State Courts in Our Federal System

State courts are dominant in our federal system. Each year state courts process over 50 million civil, criminal and family cases, nearly 20 times the caseload of the federal courts. The case types range from major crimes to minor traffic offenses, "big law" litigation to small claims lawsuits, administrative agency appeals, and family disputes. Led by a long-time state appellate judge and law professor, the course will examine the wide varieties of cases adjudicated in the state trial and appellate courts and their institutional and societal importance within our nation's system of justice.