If the law is a federal law, or a law involving the U.S. Constitution, it is heard in a federal court. If the law is a state law, or involves a state constitution, then the case is heard in state court. Every state has its own laws, and laws can vary a great deal. For example, one state may mandate that those who sell illegal drugs must be sentenced to time in prison. Other states may allow a fine for a first-time offender. Most legal proceedings in this country takes place in state courts. Most state judicial systems have three levels. On the first level, cases are heard in a trial. Some states have a second level, where the state appeals court reviews cases appealed from the lower courts. Cases that go beyond these levels are heard in the State Supreme Court, which in some states is called a Court of Appeals.
