How many levels of courts are there in the Illinois court system?

The Illinois court system is structured into three distinct levels to effectively manage the administration of justice. At the base level are the circuit courts, which serve as the trial courts for most legal matters, handling a wide array of cases including civil, criminal, family, and traffic issues. Moving up to the second level are the appellate courts, which review decisions made by the circuit courts. This level ensures that any legal errors or issues of law can be addressed and corrected. Finally, at the top level is the Illinois Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the state. It has the authority to make final rulings on cases and also has the power to overturn lower court decisions. This three-tiered structure allows for a comprehensive and systematic approach to legal proceedings in Illinois, ensuring due process and the opportunity for review at multiple levels.