Response to a discussion post:

The Federal Court has exclusive jurisdiction over admiralty cases, bankruptcy, federal criminal prosecutions, cases in which one state sues another, claims against the U.S., and cases that deal with the constitutionality of a law, among others. The State Courts will hear any other case that does not fall under the exclusive Federal Jurisdiction. State courts will hear most criminal, contract, personal injuries, and family law cases like divorces and adoptions. If you have a case that falls under the exclusive Federal Jurisdiction, your case will be heard in a Federal Court. Otherwise, it will be heard in a State Court. Cases in a state Supreme Court can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court but only in very limited circumstances when it involves a question of federal law.