The Supreme Court is the trial court of unlimited, original jurisdiction, but it generally hears only cases that are outside the jurisdiction of other courts. It exercises its civil jurisdiction and jurisdiction over felony charges statewide.

The County Court is established in each county outside New York City. It is authorized to handle prosecution of crimes committed within the county, although, in practice, arraignments and other preliminary proceedings on felonies, misdemeanors and minor offenses are handled by courts of limited jurisdiction. The County Court also has limited jurisdiction in civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000. In some counties outside of New York City, the County Court Judge also functions as the Family Court Judge, the Surrogate or both. In these instances, the judge is referred to as a multi-hat judge.

The Family Court is established in each county and in the City of New York. It has jurisdiction over matters involving children and families. Its caseload consists largely of proceedings involving support of dependent relatives, juvenile delinquency, child protection, persons in need of supervision (PINS), review and approval of foster-care placements, paternity determinations and family offenses.

The Surrogate's Court is established in every county and hears cases involving the affairs of decedents, including the probate of wills and the administration of estates. Family Court and Surrogate's Court each have jurisdiction in adoption proceedings.

The Commissioners of Jurors Offices are responsible for supplying the trial courts with prospective jurors and for the management of a variety of functions related to discharging this responsibility, including summoning and qualifying of citizens for jury service, the maintenance of juror service records and the operation of juror assembly rooms.

The City Court handles minor civil and criminal matters, including small claims. However, some City Courts have jurisdiction over civil matters only, and others over both.