Circuit Courts

What do circuit courts do?

• they are the first to try civil and criminal cases

• they hear appeals from the district courts

• they decide matters of constitutional importance

• they refer cases to the Supreme Court

Which court(s) has nationwide jurisdiction over certain appeals based on subject matter?

• the Thirteenth Circuit

• the 12 regional circuit courts

• the 94 district courts

• the Supreme Court

Which of the following areas have a special Court of Appeals?

• veterans claims

• the Senate

• the Thirteenth Circuit

• none of the above

What is the first step in an appeal?

• oral arguments

• en banc hearing

• appointment of a judge

• for it to be heard by a panel made up of three circuit court judges

An “en banc” hearing is when _________ judge(s) on a circuit court consider an appeal. 

• one

• a panel of

• all

• none of the above