Lower Federal Courts

Federal District Courts

• U.S. divided into 94 districts

• Each state has at least one district.

• Large states like Texas, California and N.Y. have 4 districts.

• Wash. D.C. and Puerto Rico have one district each.

These courts hear both criminal and civil cases.

– Criminal case = crime

– Civil case = law suit between two or more parties

Federal District Courts

Criminal CasesTwo Types of Juries

Grand Jury• 16-23 people• Hears charges

against a suspect• If they think a crime

was committed, they issue an indictment.

Petit Jury• 6 or 12 people• Hear and weigh

evidence in a trial.• Determines guilt or

innocence of the defendant.

Civil CasesPetit Jury• 6 or 12 people• Hear and weigh evidence in a trial.• Finds for either plaintiff or defendant

OR

One judge hears and decides

OR

Panel of 3 judges hear and decide

Federal Courts of Appeals

• 12 districts for Courts of Appeals

• 13 courts throughout U.S.

• 3 judges for each court

• Only deal with appeals

This court can:

• Uphold the original decision

• Reverse the original decision

• Send the case back to the lower court to be tried again

Federal Courts of Appeals

Other Federal Courts

• Court of International Trade

• U.S. Claims Court

• U.S. Tax Court

• Court of Military Appeals

• Territorial Courts

• Courts of the District of Columbia

• Court of Veterans’ Appeals

Selection of Federal Judges

All Federal judges are

• Nominated by the President

• Confirmed by the Senate

They serve “during good behavior”

(for life unless impeached)– This protects the judges when they

have to make unpopular decisions.– Judges are free from public or political

pressure.

• Highly respected lawyers

• Law professors

• Members of Congress

• Judges on lower courts & state courts

• Party affiliation

• Judicial philosophy

• Senatorial Courtesy

Qualifications of Federal Judges