1. Examining the Federal Court System
The Judicial Branch
Examining the Federal Court System
Unit 6
Lesson 2

2. The Federal Court System
Federal court systems are set up to interpret the meaning of the United States Constitution.
Cases that violate a federal law are heard in federal court.
The federal court system includes District Courts, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

3. What is a Federal District Court?
Since the United States is so large and has so many people; districts were created to help monitor and maintain order.
A federal case is first heard at the district court level.
Each state has at least one district court.
There are a total of 94 district courts. Some larger states are divided into two or more districts.
There are over 600 judges to work in that court system.

4. What is a Federal District Court?
District courts are the only court system in the federal system that can use juries. Each district court hears a variety of cases but most are heard by a judge without a jury.
All other federal court systems have a judge that makes the final decisions.
Certain cases like kidnapping, tax evasion, or counterfeiting money are tried by a judge and jury in these district courts.
Why are these offenses tried on a federal level?

5. What Cases are Heard in Federal District Courts?
The Constitution gives the Federal Courts the authority to hear cases that involve:
a person, group, or company who disobeys any part of the Constitution, including the amendments.
a person, group, or company who breaks federal laws passed by Congress, such as tax, postal, banking, or military laws.
a foreign nation that sues the US or a US citizen.

6. What Cases are Heard in Federal District Courts?
The Constitution gives the Federal Courts the authority to hear cases that involve:
an ambassador accused of breaking the law of the country where he or she is serving.
a crime occurs on an American ship at sea or on federal property.
disagreements between states.
lawsuits between citizens of different states.

7. What are the other types of courts in the Federal Courts system?
Congress set up other federal courts to handle special cases, like:
Federal Claims Court handles issues involving money claims against the federal government
Court of International Trade hears cases from individuals and businesses about tax collections on imported goods
Court of Customs and Patent Appeals hears from people applying for patents or dealing with their patent rights being violated

8. What are the other types of courts in the Federal Courts system?
Territorial Courts hear cases from people who live in the United States territories
Tax Court hear appeals concerning payment of federal taxes. This court does NOT hear criminal cases; only settle disagreements about taxes.
Other courts take care of the District of Colombia, Military issues and Veteran Appeals.
Why?

9. Glossary Worksheet Part II
Using the notes your were given in class: find all the BOLDED words, write them on this page and then fill in the definitions for the words below. Remember you will be responsible to know these definitions in a future assessment. Hint! Hint! 

10. Glossary Worksheet Part II
Using the notes your were given in class: find all the BOLDED words, write them on this page and then fill in the definitions for the words below. Remember you will be responsible to know these definitions in a future assessment. Hint! Hint! 