Which three levels of courts exist in the national court system?

The national court system in the United States is structured in a way that includes different levels of courts, each serving distinct functions. The correct answer identifies the three primary levels: trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.

Trial courts are where cases begin, and they are responsible for hearing evidence and making initial rulings. These courts can be either state or federal, depending on the jurisdiction. After a decision is made at the trial level, if a party believes that an error has occurred, they can appeal to the next level of court, known as the appellate courts. These courts do not conduct trials but rather review the trial court's proceedings to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that the rights of the individuals involved were protected.

Finally, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, serving as the ultimate arbiter of legal disputes and interpreting the Constitution. It hears cases of significant public interest or those that might create conflicting decisions among lower courts.

The option chosen correctly captures these three essential levels of the national court system: trial, appellate, and the Supreme Court. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for grasping how legal cases progress through the judicial system and how appellate review functions.