Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes the judicial branch as one of the three separate and distinct branches of the federal government. These three branches — legislative, executive, …

The federal court system has three main levels: district courts (the trial court), circuit courts which are the first level of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States, the final level of …

The federal courts are generally divided between trial courts, which hear cases in the first instance, and appellate courts, which review contested decisions made by lower courts.

Feb 10, 2022 · In today’s Explainer, we cover the basics of the U.S. legal system, the structure of the courts and how a case may move through it. The United States is a dual court system …

When the Supreme Court was first created, it was located in the U.S. capital, but judges also traveled a “circuit” in various states to hear cases. As the Courts of Appeal were created, …

Overview of the federal and state judicial systems, including information about jurisdiction, court administration and funding, the role of court personnel, and the path of a case in civil and …

4 days ago · The United States legal system operates under dual sovereignty, meaning both the federal government and individual state governments possess their own laws and court …

Learn about the United States court system with an easy-to-understand diagram. Understand the hierarchy and function of each level of courts in the United States.

Aug 14, 2025 · Explore how the U.S. federal court system works. In this article, learn about the three-tiered structure of federal courts, their jurisdiction, and the key differences between …

Apr 1, 2024 · It details the hierarchies and functions of each court within both state and federal courts. The federal courts and most state courts are structured the same way. However, state …