Civics Chapter 8 Section 2 Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik CE 8a The Federal Courts Civics Chapter 8 Section 2 Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik CE 8a

3 types of Federal Courts U.S. District Courts U.S. Court of Appeals U.S. Supreme Court

M&C 2

U.S. District Courts Federal courts where trials are held and lawsuits are begun District courts have original jurisdiction – authority to hear cases for the first time Has a judge with a jury 90% of the work of federal courts occurs in district courts

U.S. Courts of Appeals Appeals courts have appellate jurisdiction – hear only cases that come to them on appeal from the district court Has justices, but no jury Each case is decided by a panel of at least 3 judges May uphold, reverse, or remand

U.S. Supreme Court Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction and some limited original jurisdiction Has 9 justices, but no jury Majority vote decides the cases

Special Federal Courts U.S. Tax Court – hears appeals dealing with federal tax laws U.S. Court of Federal Claims – hears cases of citizens who sue the government for money claims

Special Federal Courts (cont) U.S. Court of Military Appeals – appeals court for the armed forces, where a court-martial is held U.S. Court of International Trade – hears disputes arising from tariff and trade laws