Federal Court System

Federal Court System

Remember that these courts hear cases involving federal issues only.

US District Courts

The lowest level of federal courts are called district courts. They have original jurisdiction only, meaning they only hold trials. Judges or juries make decisions in these courts.

US District Courts

There are 94 US District Courts. Each state has at least one district court. There is a district court located in each of the following: Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Guam; US Virgin Islands; and Northern Mariana Islands. The closest US district court to us is in Norfolk.

US Courts of Appeals

These courts have appellate jurisdiction. They hear appeals of cases from the US district courts and some specialized cases from other courts.

US Courts of Appeals

There are 12 of these courts, one each in the numbered map areas seen here. The Federal Circuit Court brings the total number of these courts to 13. We are located in the 4th circuit, centered in Richmond.

US Courts of Appeals

These courts have appellate jurisdiction, meaning they do NOT hold trials. Decisions are made by panels of 3 judges. There are no juries in these courts.

Multiple Choice

Which part of the Constitution describes the judicial branch?

• Article I

• Article II

• Article III

Multiple Choice

The only court mentioned by name in the Constitution is the Supreme Court.

• False

• True

Multiple Choice

The District Courts and Courts of Appeals can only hear cases involving federal laws.

• False

• True

Multiple Choice

All federal courts below the Supreme Court are created by

• Congress.

• the President.

• the Supreme Court.

Multiple Choice

Courts with original jurisdiction hold proceedings called

• appeals.

• trials.

Multiple Choice

Cases in district courts may be heard by

• judges only.

• juries only.

• judges or juries.

Multiple Choice

Which type of court proceeding has witness testimony and presentation of evidence?

• appeal

• trial

Multiple Choice

Which type of court proceeding has multiple judges and no jury?

• appeal

• trial

Multiple Choice

A person could be tried in both a state court and a federal court for the same offense.

• false

• true

Multiple Choice

How many federal district courts are there?

• 13

• 94

Multiple Choice

How many Courts of Appeals are there?

• 13

• 94

Multiple Choice

The nearest district court to us is located in

• Norfolk.

• Richmond.

• Washington, DC.

Multiple Choice

The nearest Court of Appeals to us is located in

• Norfolk.

• Richmond.

• Washington, DC.