There are two main types of courts: civil courts that resolve disputes between individuals and criminal courts that handle cases brought by the state against individuals accused of wrongdoing. Criminal courts have four main functions: protecting due process rights, punishing wrongdoing, rehabilitating criminals if needed, and efficiently handling their caseload. The court system is hierarchical, starting with trial courts of original jurisdiction and appellate courts that review lower court decisions, culminating in the state supreme court and U.S. Supreme Court. Criminal trials have an adversarial nature, with the prosecution representing the state, defense representing the accused, and a judge as impartial referee. Other trial roles include the jury, court reporter, bailiff, and witnesses. Relevant constitutional amendments