What are trial courts commonly referred to as?

Trial courts are commonly referred to as district courts. This term is used in various jurisdictions to denote the general trial courts that handle a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and family matters. District courts typically have jurisdiction over specific geographic areas and serve as the first level of the court system where disputes are initially adjudicated.

Circuit courts and superior courts are also trial courts in certain states, but the term "district court" is often more universally recognized across the United States as the standard term for the primary trial court level. Appellate courts, on the other hand, are responsible for reviewing decisions made by trial courts and do not conduct trials themselves. Thus, emphasizing the terminology used in different jurisdictions clarifies the common understanding of trial courts, making "district courts" the most accurate designation for the question asked.