The Federal Courts

Federal District Courts 94 districts Each state has at least one 1 – 28 justices Original Jurisdiction – kidnapping, violations of federal laws or standards

Courts of Appeal 12 Courts of Appeal – called Circuit Courts We are in the 3rd Circuit One court for each Circuit and one for the Federal Circuit Have Appellate Jurisdiction Three judges hear a case – no jury Affirm or reverse a decision – was the trial held fairly and was the law interpreted correctly

Supreme Court Highest court in the system Final appeals court for federal and state court systems Original jurisdiction over special cases – representatives of foreign governments and disputes between states

Special Federal Courts Court of Claims, Customs, Patent Appeals, Tax Court Appeal can go directly to the Supreme Court

Federal Court Judges Do the work of the Judicial Branch Must be impartial Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate Serve life terms and can only be removed by impeachment Must balance the rights of the individual with the interests of the nation as a whole