Final answer:
The judicial branch includes state courts, which have trial courts, appellate courts, and state supreme courts, and the federal court system, which consists of U.S District Courts, U.S. Appellate Courts, the U.S. Supreme Court, and specialized courts like the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Step-by-step explanation:
The judicial branch is comprised of various types of courts that serve to interpret laws, ensure justice, and resolve disputes. At the state level, the court system typically features trial courts, appellate courts, and the higher state supreme courts. Trial courts handle a broad range of cases, such as traffic violations, family law, and serious criminal matters, while appellate courts review cases appealed from lower courts.
At the federal level, the United States has a dual court system that includes the U.S. Supreme Court at its apex, U.S. District Courts as the primary trial courts, and U.S. Appellate Courts for reviewing cases appealed from the district courts. Additionally, there are specialized federal courts like the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for specific types of legal issues.
The U.S. Supreme Court is the ultimate authority and can rule on whether laws and policies are constitutional, serving as the final court of appeal for cases arising from both the federal and state systems, particularly when they involve a substantial federal question.