Which option correctly lists the four tiers of the state court system?

• A. State Supreme Court; Court(s) of Appeal; Superior, Circuit, or District Court; City or Municipal Court(s)
• B. Federal District Courts; U.S. Supreme Court; Appellate Courts; Local Municipalities
• C. Legislative bodies; Executive agencies; Administrative tribunals; The People
• D. Jury; Judge; Clerk; Public Defender

Answer: (A)

State court systems are arranged from the highest level down to the lowest, reflecting how cases progress from local matters to final review. The top level is the state’s highest court (often called the State Supreme Court), which handles the most important or far-reaching legal questions and discretionary appeals. Below that are the intermediate appellate courts (Courts of Appeal) that review trial-court decisions for errors of law. The third level consists of trial courts with general or limited jurisdiction (such as Superior, Circuit, or District Court) where most cases are actually heard and decided. At the bottom are City or Municipal Courts, which handle local ordinances, traffic offenses, and other minor matters.

This four-level listing matches how many state systems are organized, whereas the other options describe federal courts, branches of government, or roles in the courtroom rather than a tiered court structure.