Federal Court System Oversight
Levels of Decision
1. Case heard and decided by one of the district courts
2. Party may have decision reviewed in one of the courts of appeals
3. Party may seek additional review in the Supreme Court of the United States
Normally less than 100 cases accepted at U.S. Supreme Court
There are various routes a case may take to a federal court.
Some cases will come from a state court or federal agency
Some cases may originate in a U.S. district court
Purpose for Structure
The courts of appeals can correct errors that have been made in the decisions of trial courts
The Supreme Court can ensure the uniformity of decisions
Federal Court System
U.S. Supreme Court
13 U.S. Court of Appeals
94 U.S. District Courts
Courts presided by judicial officers
Other courts = Judges
Local government = Judges and/or Magistrates