The U.S. legal system is based on the Constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land. It is a common law system, meaning that laws are developed through court decisions and precedents. The system is divided into federal and state courts, each with its own jurisdiction and responsibilities. In the federal system, cases involving federal laws or disputes between states are handled by U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. State courts deal with matters such as family law, criminal cases, and contracts. This structure ensures that justice is administered at both national and local levels.