The Organization of the Federal Courts Ch. 10 Sec. 2 Pp

The District Courts The Constitution created the framework for the federal courts. The workhorses for the federal courts are the 94 district courts Number of judges in a district depends on size and workload

The Courts of Appeal 12 courts of appeal – hear appeals from district courts Also called circuit courts (group of district courts in a geographic area) No jury or witnesses Lawyers speak before panel of 3 judges

The Supreme Court Final court of appeals for state and federal courts Original jurisdiction in cases involving representatives of foreign governments and disputes between states Sue Cobb Chief Justice Alabama Supreme Court

Federal Court Judges Appointed by President, confirmed by Congress Serve life terms, but can be impeached Must be impartial (fair to all)

Questions From where do federal circuit courts hear appeals? a. from federal courts of appeals b. from the Supreme Court c. from district courts d. from state supreme courts

Questions Unlike legislators, federal judges should a. listen to citizens’ views b. be impartial c. solve broad problems d. be elected

Questions How do judges come to serve on special federal courts? a. Elections b. appointment by the President c. rise from lower courts d. chosen by Congress

Questions What was the purpose of the Judiciary Act? a. to create Supreme Court seats b. to set out appeals court procedure c. to establish lower courts d. to remove ineffective judges

Questions What created the framework for the federal court system? a. Congress b. the Constitution c. the Supreme Court d. the President