US Federal Court System
An explanation of how it works, and who is involved
The goal of this system is to provide a fair process to every case brought forth
It all begins in a District Court
Depending on the outcome ruled in this step, a party involved may decide to appeal the decision, and take their case to the next level.
An original jurisdiction is the authority concerned with hearing a case for the first time.
US Attorneys
The opinion will explain the court's legal reasoning and thinking behind the decision made.
Next comes the Appeals Court
The Appellate Jurisdiction in this process serves as the authority to hear the case that is being appealed, and the Circuit is the geographic area concerned with the specific Appeals Court involved, and there are a total of 12 US Appeals Courts in total.
Finally, there's the US Supreme Court
The President of the United States has the power to elect all federal judges to serve here, and the Senate is involved in approving the elected judges.
These officiated judges then serve life sentences, and can only be removed from their position by either their own choice, or by impeachment.
Magistrate Judges
US Marshals
They undergo a rigorous process for consideration, including a background check, requirement of a bachelor's degree, being between the age of 21 and 36, and complete a training process.
How many judges serve at each level?
2. At the second levels, there are typically anywhere between 6 to 27 judges part of the Appeals court process.
3. At the third and final level, there are 9 US Supreme Court Justices, each having been appointed by both the President and with the approval of the Senate, for life terms.