Structure of the Federal Courts

Trial Courts

The U.S. district courts serve as the primary trial courts of the federal judiciary, having jurisdiction over nearly all categories of federal cases, including civil and criminal matters, within the limits set by Congress and the Constitution. There are 94 federal judicial districts, covering every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, with each district also housing a U.S. bankruptcy court as part of the district court system.

In addition to the district courts, two special trial courts have nationwide jurisdiction over specific case types. The Court of International Trade handles cases related to international trade and customs issues, while the United States Court of Federal Claims oversees cases involving monetary claims against the U.S. government, disputes over federal contracts, unlawful takings of private property, vaccine injury claims, and other related matters.

Furthermore, U.S. district courts also exist in three U.S. territories— the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands—where they hear federal cases, including bankruptcy proceedings.

Appellate Courts

The 94 judicial districts are grouped into 12 regional circuits, each with a United States Court of Appeals that reviews challenges to district court decisions within its circuit, as well as appeals from federal administrative agencies. Additionally, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction over specialized cases, including those related to patent law and appeals from the Court of International Trade and the Court of Federal Claims.

United States Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is composed of the Chief Justice and eight associate justices. It selectively hears a limited number of cases each year, following guidelines established by Congress. Cases are typically chosen when lower courts have issued conflicting rulings on a legal issue or when they raise significant constitutional or federal law questions.