Federal Court System According to Article III, there will be judicial power in . . . 1 Supreme Court Other inferior courts established by Congress Judges nominated by President & confirmed by Senate majority Federal Court Hierarchy US Supreme Court US Circuit Courts of Appeal US District Courts
US District Court of Middle District of Pennsylvania US District Courts 94 courts nationwide 1+ per state Original jurisdiction Most cases deal with . . . Federal crimes (drugs, etc.) Civil suits under federal law Civil suits between citizens of different states Bankruptcy Federal agency cases US District Court of Middle District of Pennsylvania
US Circuit Courts of Appeals 11 numbered regional circuits, DC Circuit, Federal Circuit (national jurisdiction) Appellate jurisdiction Created to reduce Supreme Court caseload Known to interpret laws in conflicting manners Justice Alito served in 3rd Circuit prior to appointment by President Bush
US Circuit Courts of Appeals 3rd Circuit Court includes PA, NJ, DE, Virgin Islands
US Supreme Court 8 Associate Justices 1 Chief Justice currently John Roberts Original jurisdiction Cases concerning ambassadors & public ministers Where a state is a party Appellate jurisdiction Cases from lower courts (federal & state) Hear approximately 100 cases per year Written opinions on 80-90 cases
Supreme Court as of 2011 - Front: Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, Kennedy, Ginsburg; Back: Sotomayor, Breyer, Alito, Kagan