Court system

Definition

The hierarchical structure of federal and state courts in the United States. The federal court system has three levels: district courts (trial courts), circuit courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court. State court systems have parallel structures handling most criminal and civil cases.

Examples

  • Federal district courts are the trial courts where cases are first heard
  • The 13 circuit courts of appeals review decisions from district courts
  • The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and has nine justices
Key Fact

There are 94 federal district courts, 13 circuit courts of appeals, and 1 Supreme Court.

Related Terms

Courts Judicial review Landmark supreme court cases Due process

Study This Concept

Practice court system with free review games in these units:

U.S. Government Unit 5: The Judicial Branch