How is the Missouri Court System structured?

The Missouri Court System is structured to ensure a clear hierarchy and delineation of responsibilities among its various courts. At the base of the system are the Circuit Courts, which serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction. They handle a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.

Above the Circuit Courts is the Court of Appeals, which serves as an intermediate appellate court. It reviews decisions made by the Circuit Courts to ensure the law has been applied correctly and to address any legal errors that may have occurred during the trial process. This layer serves an essential function in upholding justice and ensuring that litigants have a means of appeal.

At the top of the hierarchy is the Supreme Court of Missouri, which is the highest court in the state. It has the final authority on matters of Missouri law and handles significant legal and constitutional questions. The decisions made by the Supreme Court are binding on all lower courts in Missouri, establishing precedents that guide future cases.

This structured approach—from the Circuit Courts to the Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Supreme Court—ensures that cases can be reviewed and adjudicated at multiple levels, facilitating a robust judicial system that supports fairness and the rule of law.