Provincial courts are the lower-level courts in a country's judicial system, typically handling less serious criminal cases, civil disputes, and family law matters. They operate under the authority of provincial or state governments and are designed to provide accessible justice to the public. Each province may have its own set of rules and procedures governing these courts. These courts often include specialized divisions, such as family courts and small claims courts, to address specific types of cases. Judges in provincial courts are usually appointed or elected, and their decisions can often be appealed to higher courts, such as provincial appellate courts.