Legal Definitions - superior court

Superior court

Superior court is a type of trial-level court found in many states, including California, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia. It is often confused because it has "superior" in the title, even though there may be courts above it in the judicial hierarchy. In some states, superior courts may also serve as local or appellate level courts, such as in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

• In California, the superior court is responsible for handling criminal and civil cases, as well as family law and probate matters.
• In North Carolina, the superior court is divided into eight divisions, each with its own set of judges and responsibilities.
• In Pennsylvania, the superior court is an appellate court that hears appeals from lower courts.

These examples illustrate how superior courts can have different roles and responsibilities depending on the state in which they are located. In California and North Carolina, they serve as trial-level courts, while in Pennsylvania they serve as an appellate court. Regardless of their specific function, superior courts are an important part of the judicial system and play a crucial role in ensuring justice is served.