The Three-Tiered Hierarchy Of The Federal Court System

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U.S. district courts, U.S. courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court make up the three-tiered hierarchy of the federal court system. U.S. district courts are the trial courts. They have jurisdiction over cases concerning violations of federal law. There are 13 U.S. courts of appeals or circuit courts. These courts are located in major cities and the cases are heard by a number of associate justices. It is the circuit court’s responsibility to review federal and state appellate court cases, evaluate judicial interpretations of the law, and reflect on any constitutional issues within each case. The U.S. Supreme Court or the court of last resort, is the highest court in the United States. It is the only court mandated by the constitution.