FOLEY, Ala. - Baldwin Circuit Court Judge Robert Wilters visited the Citizens Police Academy in Foley on Thursday to discuss the Alabama state court system structure and his thoughts on why the United States judicial system works.

Wilters told the class he has a long history in the legal field ranging from a lawyer to a judge.

"The great thing about my job is every day is a new adventure," he said.

The state judicial system begins with the Municipal Court, which has jurisdiction over traffic tickets, misdemeanors and violations. Next is the District Court with jurisdiction over the county and misdemeanor cases. The Circuit Court follows with jurisdiction over jury trials, felony offenses and appeals from the municipal court.

Following the Circuit Court is the Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Civil Appeals and then the Alabama Supreme Court.

Wilters described the appeal system as similar to the chain of command in the military. If a ruling occurs in the Circuit Court, and a different ruling is made in the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Circuit Court Judge must follow the new ruling.

"If I don't follow their order, I could be held in contempt," Wilters said.

According to Wilters, the court system used in the United States "works because most people have confidence in the system.

"They may hate my guts, but they believe in our system," Wilters said.

The academy, hosted by the Foley Police Department, held the ninth class, and only next week is the final course. It will be on using guns and the class will go to a firing range Saturday.