The federal court system is a three-tiered structure that handles cases across the nation. From district courts to the Supreme Court, each level plays a unique role in interpreting and applying federal law.

Federal courts have specific jurisdictions and handle cases involving federal laws, constitutional issues, and disputes between states. The appointment process for federal judges, involving presidential nomination and Senate confirmation, shapes the judiciary's long-term impact on American law.

Structure of the Federal Court System

Three-Tiered System and Specialized Courts

• Federal court system consists of three main tiers forming a hierarchical structure for handling federal cases
  • District courts (trial courts)
  • Courts of appeals (circuit courts)
  • Supreme Court (highest court)
• 94 federal judicial districts cover the United States
  • At least one district court in each state
  • District courts in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
• 13 courts of appeals organized into circuits
  • 12 regional circuits
  • One Federal Circuit
• Specialized federal courts handle specific case types
  • Court of International Trade
  • Court of Federal Claims
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts oversees federal court system operation
  • Ensures efficient functioning
  • Manages administrative tasks

Supreme Court Structure and Jurisdiction

• Supreme Court composed of nine justices
• Possesses both original and appellate jurisdiction
  • Original jurisdiction for cases involving states or foreign diplomats
  • Appellate jurisdiction for reviewing lower court decisions
• Discretionary power to choose cases through writ of certiorari
• Hears cases en banc with all nine justices participating
• Serves as the final arbiter of federal law and the U.S. Constitution

District Courts vs Courts of Appeals vs Supreme Court

Primary Functions and Case Handling

• District courts serve as primary federal trial courts
  • Hear both civil and criminal cases under federal jurisdiction
  • Focus on fact-finding and applying law to individual cases
• Courts of appeals review decisions from lower courts
  • Examine decisions from district courts and federal administrative agencies
  • Primarily review legal issues and interpretations
  • Typically hear cases in three-judge panels
• Supreme Court functions as the highest appellate court
  • Reviews cases on appeal from lower courts
  • Exercises original jurisdiction in specific instances (disputes between states)

Precedent and Decision-Making

• Higher court decisions bind lower courts within their jurisdiction
  • Establishes legal precedents through stare decisis principle
• District courts apply existing law and precedents to new cases
• Courts of appeals may create binding precedent for their circuit
• Supreme Court decisions set nationwide precedents
  • Can overturn its own previous decisions
  • Resolves circuit splits (conflicting decisions between appeals courts)

Jurisdiction in Federal Courts

Types of Jurisdiction

• Jurisdiction defines a court's authority to hear and decide specific cases
  • Based on subject matter, geography, or parties involved
• Federal courts have limited jurisdiction as defined by Constitution and statutes
• Diversity jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear cases between citizens of different states
  • Amount in controversy must exceed statutory threshold (currently $75,000)
• Federal question jurisdiction covers cases arising under
  • U.S. Constitution
  • Federal laws
  • Treaties
• Concurrent jurisdiction occurs when both state and federal courts can hear a case
  • Allows plaintiffs to choose the forum
• Exclusive federal jurisdiction applies to specific case types
  • Bankruptcy
  • Patent law
  • Copyright cases
  • Maritime law

Personal Jurisdiction and Federal Court Authority

• Personal jurisdiction requires court authority over parties involved
  • Typically based on minimum contacts with the forum state
• Federal courts primarily handle cases involving
  • Federal laws
  • Constitutional issues
  • Disputes between states
• Subject matter jurisdiction limits what cases federal courts can hear
  • Cannot expand their jurisdiction beyond constitutional and statutory limits
• Supplemental jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear related state law claims
  • Must be part of the same case or controversy as the federal claim

Judicial Appointment and Confirmation

Nomination and Evaluation Process

• President of the United States nominates candidates for federal judgeships
  • Supreme Court justices
  • Circuit court judges
  • District court judges
• Senate Judiciary Committee conducts hearings to evaluate nominees
  • Assesses qualifications
  • Examines judicial philosophy
  • Evaluates temperament
• American Bar Association provides ratings of judicial nominees
  • Based on qualifications
  • Ratings not binding on Senate's decision
• Selection process often involves consultation with senators
  • Known as senatorial courtesy
  • Applies to district and circuit court vacancies in senator's state

Confirmation and Tenure

• Full Senate votes on judicial nominees after committee hearings
  • Requires simple majority for approval
• Federal judges serve lifetime appointments once confirmed
  • Intended to ensure judicial independence
  • Insulates judges from political pressures
• Confirmation process has become increasingly politicized in recent decades
  • Intense scrutiny of nominees' ideological leanings
  • Examination of past rulings and writings
• Lifetime appointments can lead to generational impacts on the judiciary
  • Judges may serve for several decades
  • Influences long-term interpretation of laws and Constitution