1. The Federal Courts

2. Federal District Courts
94 districts
Each state has at least one
1 – 28 justices
Original Jurisdiction – kidnapping, violations of federal laws or standards

3. Courts of Appeal 12 Courts of Appeal – called Circuit Courts
We are in the 3rd Circuit
One court for each Circuit and one for the Federal Circuit
Have Appellate Jurisdiction
Three judges hear a case – no jury
Affirm or reverse a decision – was the trial held fairly and was the law interpreted correctly

4. Supreme Court Highest court in the system
Final appeals court for federal and state court systems
Original jurisdiction over special cases – representatives of foreign governments and disputes between states

5. Special Federal Courts
Court of Claims, Customs, Patent Appeals, Tax Court
Appeal can go directly to the Supreme Court

6. Federal Court Judges Do the work of the Judicial Branch
Must be impartial
Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
Serve life terms and can only be removed by impeachment
Must balance the rights of the individual with the interests of the nation as a whole