Long Description - Structure of the Federal Courts

The graphic shows a half-pyramid, divided into three sections from top to bottom. The top section represents the Supreme Court, with a graphic showing the Supreme Court building. The middle section represents the federal Courts of Appeal, with a graphic showing an empty courtroom. The bottom section represents the federal district courts, with a graphic showing a historic courthouse. The following text appears in the graphic:

• Supreme Court

  • Highest court in the federal system

  • Nine Justices, meeting in Washington, D.C.

  • Appeals jurisdiction through certiorari process

  • Limited original jurisdiction over some cases

• Courts of Appeal

  • Intermediate level in the federal system

  • 12 regional "circuit" courts, including D.C. Circuit

  • No original jurisdiction; strictly appellate

• District Courts

  • Lowest level in the federal system

  • 94 judicial districts in 50 states, Puerto Rico, territories

  • No appellate jurisdiction

  • Original jurisdiction over most cases

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