They oversee the probate of wills and administration of estates. In some states, they also rule on applications for guardianship, adoption of minors and questions of incompetency. Housing courts, which hear landlord-tenant disputes. Small claims courts. Called United States District Courts, each state has at least one federal court jurisdiction within its boundaries.
Some states have as many as four.
Intermediate appellate courts. Called United States Courts of Appeals. Twelve circuits cover geographic regions of the country, including the District of Columbia circuit. One, the Federal Circuit, also based in the District of Columbia, hears only certain specialized categories of cases, including patent disputes and claims against the government. There are also several specialized federal courts.