State courts at different levels differ widely in their caseloads and case profiles. Each level in the state judicial system is designed to handle different types of disputes and legal infractions. The lower levels which include local courts of limited jurisdiction--municipal and justice of the peace courts--handle by far the largest numbers of cases. These are small disputes or wrong-doing society considers minor--traffic violations, for example. County and especially district courts serve as primary trial courts for more serious disputes and crimes. The appellate system which includes the Appeals courts and Texas' twin courts of last resort--the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Supreme Court--mostly handle issues arising from lower courts' decisions.

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