What are the major types of judicial courts in Illinois?

In Illinois, the primary structure of the judicial system is organized into three major types of courts: the Circuit Courts, Appellate Courts, and the Supreme Court.

Circuit Courts serve as the trial courts, handling the majority of cases in the state, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. They have general jurisdiction, meaning they can hear a wide range of cases.

Appellate Courts are the intermediate level of the judiciary, where appeals from the Circuit Courts are heard. Their role is to review decisions made by the Circuit Courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that the legal rights of the parties were protected during the trial process.

The Supreme Court of Illinois is the highest court in the state. This court's decisions are final, and it has the authority to review decisions made by the Appellate Courts. The Supreme Court also has jurisdiction over certain cases, including those involving constitutional issues, and has influence over the administration and functioning of the state courts.

By understanding these three types of courts, one gains insight into the hierarchical structure of the Illinois judicial system and how it processes various legal matters.