1. Following a Case Through the Federal Courts

2. Overview A case begins when a lawyer or individual files a formal complaint with the clerk’s office of District Court The party who loses in district court may ask a court of appeals to review the case to see if the judge applied the law correctly. The losing party in a Court of Appeals may ask the Supreme Court to review the case

3. Court Room Participants Judge Parties Attorneys Clerk Court Reporter

4. Types of cases Criminal Civil –Bankruptcy

5. Pretrial Activity Settlement Discovery Motions Pretrial Conference Jury Selection

6. Trial Opening statement Plaintiff witnesses Defense witnesses Closing argument Jury Instructions Verdict

7. Post-Trial Sentencing Written opinions

8. Appeal Notice of appeal Written trial record Oral arguments Decision and Opinion Rehearing en banc Supreme Court