A state court is a judicial body that operates within one of the 50 states in the United States. These courts have jurisdiction over cases involving both criminal and civil matters, with their authority derived from the individual state's constitution and statutory laws. State courts are responsible for enforcing state law, interpreting state constitutions, and hearing appeals from lower court decisions. They also handle a wide range of legal disputes such as family law cases, personal injury claims, contract disagreements, and property matters. In contrast to federal courts which operate under the authority of the United States Constitution, state courts are responsible for upholding their respective states' laws and policies.