A court is an institution, often part of a government, that adjudicates legal disputes and administers justice in civil, criminal, constitutional, administrative, and/or international matters in accordance with the rule of law. It consists of a body of judicial officers, usually judges and magistrates. Courts are generally established and dissolved by legislation enacted by a legislature or equivalent constitution or charter, and have practical authority over particular kinds of cases through their personal jurisdiction over the parties to the litigation and subject-matter jurisdiction over the claims asserted.
A Judge or jury decides the outcome of a case and may issue a judgment that can be appealed to a higher court. The Judge or jury also hears evidence and arguments from the parties to the case.
Unlike other institutions in a society, such as the police and military, courts do not have the power to coerce people. This makes it difficult for them to get their decisions enforced. Instead, they must rely on their institutional legitimacy, which is earned by the perception that judges are impartial and that their decisions are grounded in law rather than ideology or politics. Without this, they would have no power to make sure their decisions are complied with and enforced. In fact, a society that did not have any institutions to settle private disputes would likely degenerate into anarchy. This is why every country needs a system of courts.