1. Civics Chapter 8 Section 2 Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik CE 8a
The Federal Courts
Civics
Chapter 8 Section 2
Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik
CE 8a

2. 3 types of Federal Courts
U.S. District Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals
U.S. Supreme Court

3. M&C 2

4. U.S. District Courts
Federal courts where trials are held and lawsuits are begun
District courts have original jurisdiction – authority to hear cases for the first time
Has a judge with a jury
90% of the work of federal courts occurs in district courts

5. U.S. Courts of Appeals
Appeals courts have appellate jurisdiction – hear only cases that come to them on appeal from the district court
Has justices, but no jury
Each case is decided by a panel of at least 3 judges
May uphold, reverse, or remand

6. U.S. Supreme Court
Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction and some limited original jurisdiction
Has 9 justices, but no jury
Majority vote decides the cases

7. Special Federal Courts
U.S. Tax Court – hears appeals dealing with federal tax laws
U.S. Court of Federal Claims – hears cases of citizens who sue the government for money claims

8. Special Federal Courts (cont)
U.S. Court of Military Appeals – appeals court for the armed forces, where a court-martial is held
U.S. Court of International Trade – hears disputes arising from tariff and trade laws