The U.S. Court System

The United States Supreme Court consists of the chief justice and eight associate justices. At its discretion and within guidelines established by Congress, the Court each year decides cases that usually begin in federal or state courts and involve questions about the Constitution or federal law.

The 94 U.S. judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a U.S. Court of Appeals. A court of appeals hears appeals from the district courts located within its circuit as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies.

In addition, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals in specialized cases, such as those involving patent laws and cases decided by the Court of International TradeCourt of Federal Claims and the .

The U.S. district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system. Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution, the district courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters. The three U.S. territories — Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands — have district courts that hear federal cases, including bankruptcy cases.

Two special trial courts have nationwide jurisdiction over certain types of cases. The Court of International Trade addresses cases involving international trade and customs issues. The Court of Federal Claims has jurisdiction over most claims for money damages against the U.S., disputes over federal contracts, unlawful “takings” of private property by the federal government and a variety of other claims against the U.S.

Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy cases cannot be filed in state court. Each of the federal judicial districts handles bankruptcy matters.

Federal courts often are called the guardians of the Constitution because their rulings protect rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. Through fair and impartial judgments, the federal courts interpret and apply the law to resolve disputes. The courts do not make laws; that is the responsibility of Congress. The courts also do not have the power to enforce laws; that is the role of the president and the executive branch departments and agencies.

The Constitution promotes judicial independence in two ways. First, federal judges are appointed for life and may be removed from office only through impeachment and conviction by Congress. Second, the Constitution provides that the compensation of federal judges “shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office,” which means that neither the president nor Congress may reduce the salary of a federal judge.

Last Update: Oct. 3, 2008