Which function do trial courts primarily serve?

Trial courts primarily serve the function of conducting initial hearings and trials. This role is fundamental to the judicial process as trial courts are where cases are first presented and adjudicated. They have the authority to hear evidence, evaluate testimony, and render verdicts based on the facts of the case and applicable law.

In this capacity, trial courts determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant in criminal cases, and in civil cases, they resolve disputes between parties. The judges in trial courts preside over these proceedings, ensuring that the legal process is followed and safeguarding the rights of all involved.

While reviewing decisions of lower courts and enforcing specific laws are significant roles within the broader justice system, those responsibilities are not primarily associated with trial courts. Appellate courts handle the review of lower court decisions, and specialized courts may focus on regulatory enforcement. Investigating criminal activities generally falls under the purview of law enforcement agencies rather than trial courts.