Federal courts handle what kind of cases

At its discretion, and within certain guidelines established by Congress, the Supreme Court each year hears a limited number of the cases it is asked to decide. Those cases may begin in the federal or state courts, and they usually involve important questions about the Constitution or federal law. Courts of Appeals The 94 U. A court of appeals hears appeals from the district courts located within its circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies.

In addition, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals in specialized cases, such as those involving patent laws and cases decided by the Court of International Trade and the Court of Federal Claims. District Courts The United States district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system. Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution, the district courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters.

Every day hundreds of people across the nation are selected for jury duty and help decide some of these cases. There are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Three territories of the United States—the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands—have district courts that hear federal cases, including bankruptcy cases.

Most criminal cases are heard in state court because most crimes are violations of state or local law. In addition to criminal cases, state courts also handle:. Federal courts may hear some of the same cases that state courts handle, including criminal cases, but they must involve federal law. Cases in the federal court system start in a United States District Court.

Criminal charges are a very serious, regardless of whether they are in state court or federal court. However, the dynamics involved in a federal criminal case can be significantly different. In general, the federal government has tremendous resources to devote to investigating and prosecuting their cases. Federal prosecutors are aggressive, diligent, and often politically motivated. However, there can be a lot of overlap between state and federal criminal jurisdiction. A criminal defense attorney with experience in both state and federal cases can help you understand the charges you are facing.

En banc opinions tend to carry more weight and are usually decided only after a panel has first heard the case. Beyond the Federal Circuit, a few courts have been established to deal with appeals on specific subjects such as veterans claims United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and military matters United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the American judicial system, and has the power to decide appeals on all cases brought in federal court or those brought in state court but dealing with federal law.

For example, if a First Amendment freedom of speech case was decided by the highest court of a state usually the state supreme court , the case could be appealed to the federal Supreme Court. However, if that same case were decided entirely on a state law similar to the First Amendment, the Supreme Court of the United States would not be able to consider the case.

After the circuit court or state supreme court has ruled on a case, either party may choose to appeal to the Supreme Court. Unlike circuit court appeals, however, the Supreme Court is usually not required to hear the appeal.

If the writ is granted, the Supreme Court will take briefs and conduct oral argument. The Court typically hears cases when there are conflicting decisions across the country on a particular issue or when there is an egregious error in a case. There are nine justices on the court — eight associate justices and one chief justice. The Constitution sets no requirements for Supreme Court justices, though all current members of the court are lawyers and most have served as circuit court judges.

Justices are also often former law professors. The chief justice acts as the administrator of the court and is chosen by the President and approved by the Congress when the position is vacant. The Supreme Court meets in Washington, D. The court conducts its annual term from the first Monday of October until each summer, usually ending in late June. You are here U. Attorneys » Justice Introduction To The Federal Court System The federal court system has three main levels: district courts the trial court , circuit courts which are the first level of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States, the final level of appeal in the federal system.

District Courts The district courts are the general trial courts of the federal court system. Circuit Courts Once the federal district court has decided a case, the case can be appealed to a United States court of appeal.