U.S. Federal Court System
How it Works
Three Levels of Federal Courts
Top: Supreme Court: Limited Original Jurisdiction
Nine Justices (life term)
Middle: Court of Appeals: Appellate Jurisdiction
Twelve Regional Circuit Courts
Bottom: District Courts: Original Jurisdiction
Ninety-four Judicial Districts in Fifty States
Roles in Federal Courts
US Marshals:
- Make arrests
- Collect fines
- Take convicted to prison
- Protect jurors
- Keep order in court
- Serve papers
Magistrate Judges:
- Handle warrants and other routine work
US Attorney:
- Deals with paper work
- Helps make sure the court runs efficiently
Several of the Current Judges: The President appoints all federal judges with the Senates approval.
Supreme Court Justices
Appeal Court Judges of Alabama
District Court Judge of Louisiana
Justice~Equality~Fair
Frequently asked Questions
What is a Precedent?
A precedent is a legal case establishing a principle or rule that a judicial body may use with later similar cases.
What is a Remand?
A remand is an action taken by an appellate court (appeal court) in which it sends a case back to a trial court (lower court) for further action.
What is an opinion?
An opinion is a judge or courts statement announcing a case decision.
Includes:
- Summary of the facts
- Record of the applicable law and how it relates to the facts
- Facts supporting the decision
- Judgment