United States Court Types and History

Find U.S. Courthouses by Location

Courts in the US operate within state and federal judicial systems. Every US state has a judicial system comprised of several courts, such as a Supreme Court, trial courts, and an appellate court. Similarly, there are federal equivalents of such courts, such as the US Supreme Court and District Courts. These courts are housed in buildings known as courthouses.

Courthouses are essential because they provide a venue for trials, legal proceedings, and the administration of justice. They uphold the rule of law, ensure that justice is served in dispute resolutions, and maintain social order. You might have to find a courthouse near you for several reasons, such as attending a court proceeding, meeting with a lawyer, filing or requesting a legal document, or serving as a juror.

What Is a Courthouse?

A courthouse is a government building where legal matters are handled. It serves as the house for all judicial functions in a state, county, city, town, or municipality. The courthouse holds a lot of significance, physically and legally. Physically, they are built to command respect and generally have distinct and historic architecture.

Courthouses symbolize and uphold concepts like justice, fairness, democracy, order, and authority, to name a few. The US operates federal and state judicial systems concurrently. While there are around 687 federal courthouses in the United States, there is no definite number for the total number of courthouses in the country. However, states and cities have multiple courthouses based on jurisdiction.

The specific kind of courthouse found within a state depends on the judicial system in that state. But typically, state courthouses are made up of an apex court of the state (the state supreme court) and trial courts. State trial courts come in different names, functions, and jurisdictions. Common examples of trial courts include district, circuit, family, magistrate, municipal, and probate courts. Many states also have state appellate courts.

At the federal level, there are several courthouses with different functions, such as the US Supreme Court, 13 Courts of Appeals, 94 District Courts, 90 bankruptcy courts, and several Article 1 courts serving the country.

How To Find a Courthouse Near You

There are several reasons why a person might need to locate a court. They may be seeking legal help or need to file or obtain a legal document. You can find a courthouse using the following methods:

• Search Engines: Using a search engine like Google and DuckDuckGo, you may enter search terms like "courthouse near me", "nearby courthouse" or "nearest courthouse".
• Online Maps: You can use online maps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze to find courthouses near you. These provide directions, estimated travel times, and reviews for these courthouses.
• Government Websites: You may find the courthouse by checking the local government website.
• Local Resources: You may also inquire from local libraries and community centers.

Before visiting, it is important to verify the courthouse's working hours and services.

Accessing Court Records

Many courthouses also provide access to public records, including court records related to criminal cases, civil suits, family law matters, and more. These records are often available for public inspection, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. To access these records, you may need to visit the courthouse in person or utilize online resources provided by local government websites. Ensure you have the necessary case numbers or details to facilitate your search.

What Does the Inside of a Courthouse Look Like?

Courthouses are public buildings and are typically open to the public. However, courthouses typically have etiquette that visitors are expected to follow, such as dressing appropriately and arriving on time. Security measures and devices are also put in place, such as metal detectors, bag checks, and a list of prohibited items. Most courthouses are made up of some of the following:

• Clerk's offices
• Court administrator offices
• Courtrooms
• File rooms
• Judicial chambers
• Prosecuting attorney's office
• Public Defender's office
• Public entrance/lobby
• Security posts/offices

Who Sits Where in a Courtroom?

The courtroom is divided into sections where certain people sit. At the front of the courtroom is the judge's bench, which is a raised wooden platform with a desk, where the judge sits. Other court staff like the bailiff, court clerk, interpreters, and court reporters are positioned close to the judge.

Attorneys and their clients sit at the counsel table, which is directly facing the judge's bench and is often immediately before the bar. The jurors sit in the jury box, several rows of seats usually at the side of the room - it could be anywhere from after the judge's bench to beside the counsel's table. The witness, when called upon, sits at the witness stand, which is typically situated next to the judge.

Lastly, the public sits behind the bar in a section called the gallery. Except when court hearings are done in private or chambers, the public is allowed to attend hearings and observe the proceedings.

Federal vs. State Courthouses

There are differences between federal and state courthouses, these include:

Courthouse Probate Office

Probate records show the disposition of assets when a person dies. These documents will list the family members of the deceased along with any information about property that was handed down or sold after the owner's death. Included in these files are wills that are likely to list all known relatives.

FAQs About Courthouses