What is the highest court in a state commonly referred to as?

The highest court in a state is most commonly referred to as the Supreme Court. This designation is widely accepted in many states, where it serves as the final arbiter of the law and the appellate jurisdiction for lower court decisions. While "Court of Last Resort" is also a title used in some jurisdictions to describe this court's role in the judicial hierarchy, the term "Supreme Court" is more universally recognized and used.

Understanding that “Supreme Court” reflects the concept that it represents the pinnacle of the state’s judicial system is essential. It takes on significant appellate cases and has the authority to address matters of constitutional law, thereby shaping legal precedents within the state. Hence, even though some states may label their highest court differently, “Supreme Court” remains the common reference for the highest level of judicial authority in a state.

This context illuminates why the term "Court of Last Resort" can be misleading. While it describes the function of the court in terms of appeal finality, it is less prevalent as a standalone term compared to "Supreme Court," which conveys both authority and recognition across various jurisdictions.