There are three levels of federal courts with general jurisdiction, meaning that these courts handle criminal cases and civil lawsuits between individuals.

Susan Karten, a lawyer who has handled numerous lawsuits against the department, said she was skeptical of viewing any recent improvements as an enduring change.

He handled both civil and criminal lawsuits in Danville and other outlying counties of Kentucky.

I also get the feeling that handling lawsuits under the supervision of Jonathan Lake is edgy business.

The agency also hired a battery of lawyers to handle lawsuits on claims.

The recall costs, which include getting food off shelves, handling lawsuits, revamping plants and repairing public relations, can be gargantuan for companies.

The hard-line judiciary has set up a court to handle lawsuits against foreign countries, notably the United States, a Justice Department spokesman said.

I handle billion-dollar lawsuits," volunteers an excited woman, who introduces herself as the county's first female Republican judge.

Data from the state courts, which handle most lawsuits, are less complete and harder to interpret.

As in the rest of the state, a civil term handles noncriminal lawsuits, including divorce.