STATE COURTS

States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have independent judicial systems.

Highest court in each is ultimate authority on law in regard to state law

Most have three-tiered judicial system (some have one)
trial-court level (circuit, district, superior)
appellate court (court of appeals)
court of last resort (supreme court)

Cases decided by a trial court are subject to appeal to and review by an appellate court.