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State courts that handle the independent adoption of minors, the termination of parental rights in cases of abandonment, and the adoption or guardianship of minors who are dependents of the court.

Local courts whose function is to try cases involving vandalism, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, public urination, shoplifting, trespassing, prostitution and other offenses that affect the quality of life in a community. Most community courts are initiated by other courts or local district attorneys, are structured to serve a particular neighborhood and are located in the area they serve. A few serve entire cities. The specific focus of these courts depends on the nature of the problems in the communities they serve and the concerns of the residents and business people who live and/or work there. Offenders are often required to make restitution by providing service in the community in which their crimes were committed and may be ordered to participate in social services such as counseling, drug treatment and job training when warranted.

Special courts that have been given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-addicted offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling sanctions, incentives and frequent court appearances. Successful completion of the program results in dismissal of charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of these.

State courts that handle domestic relations cases including dissolution of marriages, nullification of marriages, legal separations, paternity actions, child custody, child support, visitation arrangements, spousal support and restraining orders; and which offer marriage and family counseling to help couples to reconcile or, if reconciliation is impossible, to reach an amicable agreement on a custody plan.

Special courts that are available in some states to resolve landlord tenant disputes including eviction (unlawful detainer) actions; requests for help by tenants to force the building owner or landlord to make repairs, correct building violations or protect tenant privacy; rent escrow actions by tenants who deposit rent with the court to bring a claim against a landlord who refuses to make repairs or comply with terms of a lease; counterclaims for rent escrow actions; requests by tenants for assistance when a building owner refuses to provide heat, electricity, water or other essential services; and requests from tenants for help in situations where they have been locked out of their homes. Landlord/tenant mediation services are available through some courts. In some jurisdictions, housing courts also hear actions that relate broadly to residential housing such as those involving zoning or general nuisance problems that may affect homeowners within a neighborhood.

State courts that handle regular guardianships, the establishment of decedents' wills, the settlement of decedents' estates, and decisions relating to the administration of the estates of minors and individuals adjudged to be incompetent to manage their own affairs.

State courts that hear civil cases involving no more than $5,000 and which require parties to the action to present their own cases. The judge hears both sides and renders a judgment.

Trial-level courts of limited jurisdiction that hear only cases that deal with specific types of legal issues or disputes. Although these courts vary from state to state, many states have specialized courts for traffic matters, family law matters, probate for the administration of decedents' estates, and small claims (for cases involving less than a specific sum of money). Rulings of these specialized courts are subject to appeal and review by state courts of general jurisdiction.

State courts that hear cases which involve metropolitan area traffic violations.

Special state courts that handle cases involving veterans charged with crimes, generally nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors in which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries and mental illness are underlying factors. The objective of the courts is to get veterans into treatment where the root causes of their behavior can be addressed as an alternative to time in jail. Compliance with court requirements is monitored through regularly scheduled court hearings and charges against participants are dropped following completion of treatment if they have remained alcohol and drug free and have committed no new offenses.