9.1 Structure of the Federal Court System

The federal court system is a three-tiered hierarchy, with the Supreme Court at the top, Circuit Courts of Appeals in the middle, and District Courts at the bottom. Each level plays a unique role in interpreting and applying federal law.

Article III courts, established by the Constitution, form the backbone of the federal judiciary. Specialty courts, created by Congress, handle specific types of cases. The Supreme Court's jurisdiction and power of judicial review are key to its role in the system.

Federal Court Hierarchy

Structure and Levels of Federal Courts

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• Supreme Court sits at the apex of the federal court system
  • Consists of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices
  • Hears cases of national importance and constitutional questions
• Circuit Courts of Appeals form the intermediate level
  • Divided into 13 circuits covering different geographic regions
  • Review decisions from district courts within their jurisdiction
• District Courts serve as the trial courts at the federal level
  • 94 district courts spread across the United States
  • Handle most federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters

Functions and Relationships Between Court Levels

• District Courts initiate federal cases and conduct trials
  • Juries decide questions of fact in applicable cases
  • Judges interpret and apply the law to the facts presented
• Circuit Courts of Appeals review decisions made by district courts
  • Generally do not hear new evidence or conduct trials
  • Focus on correcting errors of law in lower court decisions
• Supreme Court has discretion to choose which cases to hear
  • Typically reviews decisions from Circuit Courts of Appeals
  • Can also hear cases directly from state supreme courts on federal issues

Types of Federal Courts

Article III Courts

• Established by the Constitution under Article III
  • Include Supreme Court, Circuit Courts of Appeals, and District Courts
• Judges appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
  • Serve life terms, ensuring judicial independence
• Handle cases involving federal law, the Constitution, or disputes between states
• Possess the power of judicial review to interpret and strike down laws

Specialty Courts and Their Functions

• Created by Congress to handle specific types of cases
  • Include bankruptcy courts, tax courts, and Court of International Trade
• Judges typically appointed for fixed terms, not life tenure
• Court of Federal Claims adjudicates monetary claims against the U.S. government
• Military courts operate under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
  • Handle cases involving members of the armed forces

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

Types of Jurisdiction

• Original Jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear cases directly
  • Applies to disputes between states or cases involving ambassadors
  • Relatively rare, with only a few cases each year
• Appellate Jurisdiction covers most of the Court's caseload
  • Reviews decisions from lower federal courts and state supreme courts
  • Focuses on correcting errors of law or constitutional interpretation

Key Concepts in Supreme Court Operations

• Judicial Review empowers the Court to determine constitutionality of laws
  • Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
  • Allows the Court to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution
• Writ of Certiorari serves as the primary method for case selection
  • Parties petition the Court to review their case
  • At least four justices must agree to hear the case (Rule of Four)
• En Banc refers to cases heard by all judges of a court
  • In Supreme Court, all nine justices typically hear each case
  • In Circuit Courts, en banc hearings involve all active judges in the circuit