What characterizes a "trial court"?

A trial court is characterized by its function of being the initial venue where cases are heard. This is where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and legal arguments are made. The trial court's primary role is to determine the facts of a case and apply the relevant laws based on those facts, leading to a verdict or judgment.

In contrast to appellate courts, which review decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly, trial courts have the original jurisdiction to hear cases for the first time. This foundational role in the judicial process ensures that all legal matters—ranging from criminal cases to civil disputes—begin within the trial court system, making it an essential component of the legal landscape.

While there are specialized courts for specific types of disputes, such as family court, the broad definition of a trial court encompasses all courts that hear cases for the first time.