Apart from specialized courts, the federal court system comprises the following:
The Supreme Court of the United States | Most cases are appeals from lower courts. In addition to cases from lower federal courts, cases from state supreme courts which involve a point of federal law may be heard. The court has discretion to decide which cases will be considered. |
U.S. Courts of Appeals (also called Circuit Courts of Appeals) | Appellate courts which deal with appeals from the district courts in their circuit. |
U.S. District Courts | Trial courts which deal with violations of federal criminal law, disputes regarding federal laws or treaties, and some cases between residents of different states. |
Court Locator - Maps showing jurisdicitons of the various federal courts