1. The Judicial Branch
The Federal Courts

2. 3 Levels of Court in US Justice System
Supreme Court
Courts of Appeals
District Courts

3. Equal Justice for All
Courts try to ensure our nations laws are justly enforced
Constitutional Right
Court will appoint lawyer
Presumed innocence

4. Role of the Courts Civil disputes Guilt/Innocence Private parties
Private parties v. Govt
US v. state/local government
Guilt/Innocence

5. Federal Courts Established by Constitution.
1789 – Judiciary Act – district courts & circuit courts of appeals
1891 – Federal Appeals Courts and circuits/districts they serve
Federal Court system exists alongside 50 state court systems.

6. Federal Court Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction must involve one of the following:
The Constitution
Federal Laws
Disputes between States
Citizens from Different States
Federal Government
Foreign Governments & Treaties
Admiralty & Maritime Laws
US Diplomats

7. Examples of Federal Jurisdiction
Kinds of Cases
Examples
Cases involving the Constitution
Person believes 1st Amendment right is violated
Involving Federal Laws
Kidnapping, tax evasion, counterfeiting
Foreign Governments and Treaties
Any dispute between foreign government and the US government or an American Company or citizen
Admiralty and Maritime Law
Any crime or accident outside territorial waters
Involving Federal Government
Contract disputes between the federal government and a company

8. Types of Jurisdiction
Exclusive Jurisdiction
Concurrent Jurisdiction

9. How Federal Courts Are Organized
The Judicial Branch
How Federal Courts Are Organized

10. Courts of Appeals District Courts
12 Circuits
Appellate jurisdiction
Review decisions made in district courts
No guilt or innocence decisions
Review federal regulatory agency rulings
No juries
13th Court of Appeals has nationwide Jurisdiction
94 Districts
At least one in each state
Original Jurisdiction
Where all federal cases begin
Trial courts for criminal and civil cases
Decides guilt or innocence
Witnesses
Juries
Federal Courts cover set geographic areas.
Judges

11. US District Courts 94 District courts in all
Every state has at least 1
All federal cases must begin in district court
Original Jurisdiction
Trials & lawsuits

12. US Courts of Appeals Appellate Jurisdiction 12 US courts of appeals
Review decisions of district courts
12 US courts of appeals
Three types of decisions:
Uphold original decision
Reversing decision
Remanding the case

13. Announcing the Decision
Appeals Court decision:
Judge writes opinion which will set precedent for all courts/agencies within district.

14. Federal Judges More than 650 judges presiding over district courts
Each appeals court has 6-28 judges.

15. Selection of Federal Judges
Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution
Senatorial Courtesy
Tenure

16. Other Court Officials
Magistrates
US Attorneys
US Marshals