The legal processes and individual court systems in the United States vary by state and even by county or city. Each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) holds different powers within the U.S. system, and checks and balances are in place among them. While the legislative branch makes the laws, the judicial branch is responsible for implementing the laws through the courts. As each court was established, there were variations in local customs, religious practices, and patterns of commercial trade that influenced the way legal rulings and court structures were created, and many of these differences still exist today.

You are a city council member. As your city continues to grow, so does the number of people who are experiencing homelessness. Citizens have expressed concerns about their safety in public places such as parks. You are attending a city council meeting where members of your town are discussing ways to keep the city safe, including proposing new ordinances for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. During the meeting, the owner of the local hardware store stands up to speak, saying, "I am also concerned about how these folks became homeless. We need to look into ways we can build community programs and available resources to help them find shelter, food, and other necessities." However, representatives from local community organizations stress that their shelters are overcrowded, and they often have to turn people away, even in very cold weather. Finding a home for the night fills a short-term need, but your community is looking for long-term solutions.

Let's review a few concepts before you make a decision about this scenario.

Which of the following statements BEST describes the responsibilities of the lower courts?