What is meant by a dual court system?

A dual court system refers to the structure of the judiciary in the United States, which consists of two separate court systems: federal courts and state courts. This system allows for the resolution of legal disputes at both the national and state levels, recognizing the distinct legal processes and laws applicable in each jurisdiction.

Federal courts handle cases that involve federal laws, the Constitution, or disputes between states, while state courts deal with matters that pertain to state laws, including many civil and criminal cases. This bifurcation ensures that different types of laws and grievances are addressed by the appropriate judicial authority, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the legal system and providing individuals with access to justice at both levels.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the nature of a dual court system. For instance, a system with only federal courts would not encompass the state-level judiciary necessary for a dual court framework. Similarly, a system that combines civil and criminal courts refers to the categorization of types of cases within a single court system rather than describing the duality of federal and state systems. Finally, while military trials are a part of the judiciary, they do not define the dual court system, which is focused on federal and state courts.