1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. US Circuit Courts of Appeals
3rd Circuit Court includes PA, NJ, DE, Virgin Islands

5. 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 cases

6. Supreme Court as of Front: Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, Kennedy, Ginsburg; Back: Sotomayor, Breyer, Alito, Kagan