The Federal Court System
District Courts
District Courts, in Federal cases, are able to have Original Jurisdiction, which is the authority to hear that case for the first time. Many times if someone loses a court case they appeal to the next level of the U.S. court system. This is where Appellate Jurisdiction occurs, which is the authority to hear a case from an appeals court.
Appeals Courts
There are 12 appeals courts, each covering different areas; or circuits. The Appeals courts looks over the previous court for any mistakes so it can be continued and be moved on. The judges in these courts can either uphold the original decision, reverse the decision, or remand it. Remanding the case means to send it bak to the previous, lower, court to be tried again. After the decision is made, the judge writes and opinion as to explain the legal thinking behind the courts action to the case. This opinion sets the standard or precedent for other judges in similar cases.
Federal Parts to Judicial Districts
Federal judges serve for life terms and are appointed by the President. One of the types of judges are Magistrate judges. They are located in each district court and determine if cases should go to trial. Also in these courts are district U.S. Attorneys. They prosecute people accused of breaking federal laws. They will also defend the United States with government regards in civil cases. Districts also have a U.S. Marshal. They send convicts to prison, collect fines, and make arrests. They also protect jurors, keep court order, and order people to be in court.