What Type of Court is Shown in Law and Order: State Supreme Court, Appeals Court, or Circuit Court?

The popular television series Law and Order often showcases courtrooms and legal proceedings that are part of the New York State Unified Court System. Many viewers confuse the terms Supreme Court, Appeals Court, and Circuit Court when it comes to the shows' courtroom scenes. This article aims to clarify the types of courts featured in the series, based on the New York State court structure.

Types of Courts in New York State

New York State, like many others, has a complex system governing its judicial hierarchy. The primary trial court with unlimited jurisdiction is the Supereme Court. In New York, the Supreme Court is the court of general jurisdiction, akin to the Superior Court in other states. It handles both civil and criminal cases, including injunctions, receiverships, partition, land title, tax, and real property disputes.

The Structure of Courts in New York State

The hierarchy of courts in New York State can be broken down into several categories:

Supreme Court: This is the primary trial court with jurisdiction over all types of cases. In the Law and Order franchise, the Supreme Court is often the setting for criminal trials. However, it is essential to note that the Supreme Court in New York is not equivalent to the state Supreme Court in some other states; it is simply the highest trial court. Appellate Divisions: Sitting above the Supreme Court are the Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court. These serve as intermediate appellate courts, like the "Superior Court" in other states. They handle appeals from the lower courts and provide a final word on issues within their jurisdiction. Court of Appeals: This is the highest appellate court in the state, akin to the state Supreme Court in other states. The Court of Appeals determines the definitive legal precedents and reviews the decisions of the Appellate Divisions. Circuit Courts: In other states, Circuit Courts are often the intermediate level between the trial courts and the state Supreme Court. However, in New York, the term "Circuit Court" is not used. Instead, New York utilizes One, Two, and Three Departments of the Appellate Divisions, each covering a specific region of the state.

Specifics of Law and Order Court Scenes

For the Law and Order franchise, especially in the New York City-based episodes, the court scenes are primarily set in various Criminal Courts within the New York State Unified Court System. Criminal Courts handle all criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, decision-making for arraignments, and initial hearings.

Conclusion

In summary, the courts shown in the Law and Order franchise are not directly the state Supreme Court, Appeals Court, or Circuit Court. Instead, the procedural settings are more aligned with the New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Courts, and Appellate Divisions. Understanding the New York State court structure can help viewers better appreciate the legal proceedings depicted in the show.

By familiarizing oneself with the terms Supreme Court, Appellate Court, and Circuit Court, one can gain a deeper insight into the legal universe portrayed in Law and Order. If you want to explore more details about the New York State court system, you can check the official NY Courts website.