U.S. Federal System
By Meaghan Pferschy
The goal of the legal system is equal justice under the law
U.S. District Courts
District courts have "original jurisdiction"
There are 94 District courts that head both criminal and civil cases
U.S. Courts of Appeals
Appellate jurisdiction is the authority to hear cases that are appealed in a lower court
There are 12 U.S. courts of appeals that cover a particular geographic area (circuit)
There is a 13th appeals court for the Federal Circuit that has nationwide jurisdiction
*Appeals courts do not hold trials*
The judge may decide 1/3 outcomes:
-Uphold the original decision
-Reverse the decision
-remand the case
Federal Judges
6-27 judges belong to each appeals court
The supreme court has 9 justices
Presidents appoint all federal judges with approval of the Senate
A judge with serve for life
A judge can only be removed by impeachment
U.S. Attorneys/ Marshals
They also represent the U.S in most civil cases that involve the government
Marshal make arrest, collect fines, and take people who have been convicted to jail