Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest Court in the State. It has the power to review decisions of the Appellate Courts. The Supreme Court of Washington State is located in Olympia, Washington.
Appellate Court
The Appellate Courts has the power to review decisions of the Superior Courts. The Washington Appellate Court system is divided into three divisions: Division 1 which covers the Puget Sound Area, Division II which covers Southwest Washington, and Division III which covers Eastern Washington.
Superior Court
Typically, the Superior Court acts as the trial court for felony cases. A Superior Court may also act as an Appellate Court for decisions from courts of limited jurisdiction, i.e. District or Municipal Courts. Each county has its own Superior Court.
District Court
District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. District Court is the trial court for gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, as well as infractions. Each County has its own District Court system.
Municipal Court
A Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. Municipal Courts act as the trial court for gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors alleged to be committed in its jurisdiction, i.e. within the physical boundaries of their city limits. Each municipality may either have its own court or contract with the county to use the county District Court.
