structure of the federal courts
The Federal Courts structure is quite unclear based on the Constitution.
Judiciary Act of 1789 created constitutional courts.
Original Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first, usually in trial. These are the courts that determine the facts about a case.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of courts that hear cases brought to them on appeal from lower courts. These courts do no review the factual information, only the legal issues involved.
Judiciary Act of 1789 created constitutional courts.
Original Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first, usually in trial. These are the courts that determine the facts about a case.
Appellate Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of courts that hear cases brought to them on appeal from lower courts. These courts do no review the factual information, only the legal issues involved.
district courts
- At least one in each state
- Original jurisdiction-hear no appeals
- Only federal courts that hold trials and impanel juries
- State and local courts handle most civil suits in the United States
- US attorney-nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate-prosecute violations of federal law and represent the US government in civil cases
courts of appeal
Appellate courts empowered to review all final decisions of district courts except in rare cases. In addition, they also hear appeals to orders of many federal regulatory agencies.
- 12 judicial circuits
- Consist of three judges
- Correct errors of procedure and law that occurred in the original proceedings of legal cases
- Hold no trials, hear no testimony
- Set precedent for all the courts and agencies within their jurisdiction
the supreme court
The highest point of the American judicial system. The Court ensures uniformity in interpreting national laws, resolves conflicts among states, and maintains national supremacy in law. It has both original and appellate jurisdiction.
- Nine justices on the Supreme Court
- Decides which cases it will hear
- Only hears cases from state courts if they involve federal law
- Will not try to settle matters of state law, or determine guilt or innocence in state criminal proceedings