The dual court system
The United States has two parallel court systems, federal and state, and most cases never reach federal court.
State and federal courts
Each state has its own courts, which handle the vast majority of cases: most criminal cases, family law, contracts, and traffic offences. Federal courts hear cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, disputes between states, and cases between citizens of different states above a certain amount.
Levels of federal courts
Federal district courts are trial courts, with at least one in every state, where facts are found and juries may decide cases. The courts of appeals, organised into regional circuits, review whether district courts applied the law correctly. The Supreme Court sits at the top. Federal judges are appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and serve 'during good behaviour', in practice for life.
Types of cases
Criminal cases are brought by the government against someone accused of a crime. Civil cases are disputes between parties, such as over contracts or injuries. Original jurisdiction means a court hears a case first; appellate jurisdiction means it reviews a lower court's decision. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in a few cases, such as disputes between states.
Flashcard
The federal trial court
Check your understanding
A lawsuit over a car accident between two neighbours in the same state would most likely be heard in: