The Federal Court System
and how it works!
How Federal Courts are Organized
2. U.S. Courts of Appeals: People who lose in a district court often appeal to the next highest level
3. One Extra Court: A thirteenth appeals court, the court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide Jurisdiction.
Appeal courts do not decide guilt of innocence or which side should win a suit.
Jobs in Federal Courts
U.S. Attorney: A government lawyer who prosecutes people accused of breaking federal law.
U.S. Marshall: Marshals make arrests, collect fines, and take convicted people to prison
Federal Court
One appellate judge writes an opinion that explains the legal thinking behind the courts decision in the case.
The opinion sets a precedent or model for other judges to follow in making their own decisions on similar cases
The Judges may decide in one of three ways: uphold the decision, reverse the decision, or remand the case.