Federal, State, and Municipal Courts Explained

At O'Donnell Law Center, we aim to educate our clients so that they feel confident and knowledgeable about their cases. Today, we're extending that effort to examine the different forms legal cases can take. One of the most important defining factors of any legal case is the court in which it takes place. There are three different types of courts: federal, state, and municipal.

Federal Courts

Federal courts deal with cases on a national level. Examples of the types of cases heard in federal courts include:
  • Cases disputing the constitutionality of a law
  • Copyrights, patents, and other forms of intellectual property cases
  • Disputes between states
  • Criminal cases involving federal laws or crimes committed on federal property
While there are fewer federal court cases in a year than state or municipal court cases, the cases heard in federal courts are of great importance, and some are ultimately heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

State Courts

State court cases are very common. State courts hear cases in a very wide range of legal disciplines, such as:
  • Family law issues
  • Real Estate law disputes
  • Personal injury claims
  • Traffic violations
  • Robberies
Since each state is free to make its own laws, the vast majority of cases are held in state courts. This method was originally set up by our Founding Fathers to ensure that power was evenly distributed throughout the States, preventing the national government from amassing too much power.

Municipal Courts

Within each state, municipal courts are set up to handle cases that only concern specific cities. Examples of these types of cases include:
  • Minor traffic violations
  • Violation of city ordinances
  • Violations of local regulations such as Fish & Game Laws 
The Lake of the Ozarks area has several municipal courts, in Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Linn Creek, Sunrise Beach  and Four Seasons, for example. If you would like to learn more about our local municipal court in Osage Beach, you can check out their website here.

O'Donnell Law Center is Here for You

If you find yourself facing legal issues on the municipal, state or Federal level, contact O'Donnell Law Center to learn about your options. Our experienced Lake of the Ozarks attorney may be able to help you.

 We are open and ready to assist you. Call the most trusted law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks to get started today.

O'Donnell Law Center
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

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Phone: (573) 552-0317

O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO  65065
(Located on the McDonald's Side of the Building)
Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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