* Jurisdiction over State Law: This is their core power. State courts are the primary arbiters of disputes arising under state constitutions, statutes, and common law. This includes:
* Civil Cases: Disputes between individuals, businesses, or the state involving contracts, property, torts (personal injuries), family law (divorce, custody), and more.
* Criminal Cases: Prosecution of individuals accused of violating state criminal laws, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
* Administrative Law: Review of decisions made by state administrative agencies.
* Concurrent Jurisdiction (in some cases): In certain situations, state courts share jurisdiction with federal courts. For example, some civil cases involving diversity of citizenship (parties from different states) can be heard in either state or federal court. This means they have overlapping power in specific instances.
* Interpretation of State Constitutions: State courts are the final arbiters of the meaning and application of their state's constitution, although the US Supreme Court can review decisions if federal constitutional issues are involved.
* Enforcement of State Law: State courts have the power to issue orders and judgments, including enforcing judgments through processes like wage garnishment or seizing assets.
Limitations on State Court Powers:
* Federal Supremacy: Federal law is supreme to state law. If a state court decision conflicts with federal law or the US Constitution, the federal law or constitution prevails. The US Supreme Court can review state court decisions involving federal issues.
* Jurisdictional Limits: State courts' power is geographically limited to the state in which they reside. They generally cannot hear cases involving events or parties outside their state's boundaries, unless a specific state statute grants them such jurisdiction (e.g., long-arm statutes).
* Specific Statutory Limitations: State legislatures can and do place limits on the powers of state courts through statutes.
It's important to note that the specific powers of state courts can vary somewhat from state to state, depending on their respective state constitutions and statutory frameworks. The organization of state court systems (e.g., trial courts, appellate courts, supreme courts) also varies.