Final answer:
The General District Court handles civil claims over $25,000, felony, and serious misdemeanor cases, whereas the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court deals with juvenile matters and family-related cases. Michigan's corresponding courts, such as the Circuit Court, reflect this structure, each with specific roles in the judiciary system. State and federal courts have distinct but sometimes overlapping jurisdictions based on whether the cases involve state law or federal law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The General District Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court hear a variety of cases. The General District Court primarily handles civil cases involving claims over $25,000, felony criminal cases, and serious misdemeanor cases, as well as family matters which typically cover a diverse array of issues from divorce to child custody. Meanwhile, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court usually hears cases related to juveniles and matters related to family dynamics, such as child support and domestic violence.
In Michigan, for instance, courts like the Circuit Court, Probate Court, and District/Municipal Court play specific roles within the judiciary. The Circuit Court, for example, hears civil cases involving more than $25,000, serious criminal offenses, and family cases. The District/Municipal Courts deal with lower-level misdemeanors and traffic violations. The structure of these courts reflects the broader division between criminal and civil cases that all state courts manage. Criminal cases involve the government charging an individual with a crime, whereas civil cases involve disputes between private parties alleging harm or injury.
State courts have the authority to hear cases that involve state laws, which include most crimes. Federal courts, on the other hand, have jurisdiction over cases involving the U.S. Constitution, federal law, or disputes involving diverse geographical party origins. This distinction outlines a dual court system where some cases can cross from state to federal jurisdictions under certain conditions.