Which type of court in Utah handles minor offenses and small claims?

Justice courts in Utah are designed to handle minor offenses and small claims, making them the correct answer to this question. These courts typically deal with cases involving misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters where the claim does not exceed a certain monetary limit, which is set by law. This specialization allows justice courts to provide a more efficient resolution process for less complex cases, benefiting both the court system and the individuals involved.

District courts, in contrast, handle felony cases, more significant civil disputes, and appeals from lower courts, thus dealing with a broader and more complex array of legal issues. Federal courts are part of the federal judicial system and handle cases involving federal law or disputes between states and the federal government, making them inappropriate for minor local offenses or small claims. Appellate courts focus on reviewing decisions made by lower courts, rather than trying cases themselves, and do not handle initial claims or offenses directly.