This feature is a high-level description of the structure and purpose of the U.S.
federal court system with handy Web links to the various district courts,
courts of appeals, bankruptcy courts and other special federal courts. For a detailed, in-depth discussion of the entire U.S. court system,
including state and local laws and courts, see: Understanding
the Federal Courts, from About's Current Events:
Law site.
Role of the Federal Courts
Often called the "guardians of the Constitution," the federal courts
exist to fairly and impartially interpret and apply the law, resolve disputes
and, perhaps most importantly, to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by
the Constitution. The courts do not "make" the laws. The Constitution
delegates making, amending and repealing federal laws to the U.S. Congress.
Federal Judges
Under the Constitution, judges of all federal courts are appointed for life by
the president of the United States, with the approval of the Senate. Federal
judges can be removed from office only through impeachment and conviction by
Congress. The Constitution also provides that the pay of federal judges
"shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office." Through
these stipulations, the Founding Fathers hoped to promote the independence of
the judicial branch from the executive and legislative branches.
Composition of the Federal Judiciary Branch The very first bill considered by the U.S. Senate -- the Judiciary Act of
1789 -- divided the country into 12 judicial districts or "circuits."
The court system is
further divided into 94 eastern, central and southern "districts"
geographically across the country. Within each district, one court of appeals,
regional district courts and bankruptcy courts are established.
The Courts of Appeals Each of the 12 regional circuits has one U.S. court of Appeals that
hears appeals to decisions of the district courts located within its circuit
and appeals to decisions of federal regulatory agencies. The Court
of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction and hears
specialized cases like patent and international trade cases.
The District Courts
Considered the trial courts of the federal judicial system, the 94 district
courts, located within the 12 regional circuits, hear practically all cases
involving federal civil and criminal laws. Decisions of the district courts
are typically appealed to the district's court of appeals.
The Bankruptcy Courts
The federal courts have jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy
cannot be filed in state courts. The primary purposes of the law of
bankruptcy are: (1) to give an honest debtor a "fresh start" in
life by relieving the debtor of most debts, and (2) to repay creditors in an
orderly manner to the extent that the debtor has property available for
payment. [Source: UScourts.gov]
Special Courts Two special courts have nationwide jurisdiction over special types of
cases: U.S. Court of International Trade - hears
cases involving U.S. trade with foreign countries and customs issues U.S. Court of Federal Claims -
considers claims for monetary damages made against the U.S. government,
federal contract disputes and disputed "takings" or claiming of
land by the federal government
The U.S. Circuit Courts Click the federal circuits below for links to the individual district
courts, courts of appeals and bankruptcy courts in your region:
1st Circuit - Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island and Puerto Rico
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