3.11/2/6: Federal Courts

By stephen.masyada | Updated: June 9, 2024, 5:36 p.m.

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The Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Presents:
Federal Courts
SS.7.CG.3.9 The Judicial Branch
Now that we know about the Florida Court System, let's look at the Federal Court System.
Federal Court System
Goal 1:
Tell the difference among the levels, functions, and powers of courts at the federal level
Will learn about:
1. Levels
2. Functions
3. Powers
of the courts at the federal level
Goal 2
Recognize that jurisdiction of the federal courts is derived from the U.S. Constitution.
Article III of the U.S. Constitution outlines the federal court system
Federal Courts
- hear cases involving the federal government or the U.S. Constitution
- three levels
1. U.S. District Courts
2. U.S. Courts of Appeals
3. U.S. Supreme Court
Let's start with District Courts.
United States District Courts
- 94 federal judicial districts
- at least one in each state
- District Courts in D.C. and Puerto Rico
United States District Courts
- have original jurisdiction
- hear facts of a federal case
- are trial courts
United States District Courts
What happens if you lose your case at the district level?
- witnesses testify
- juries decide cases
United States Courts of Appeals
- 12 regional U.S. Courts of Appeals
- have appellate jurisdiction
- review the decisions made in a lower district court
United States Courts of Appeals
- Appeals can occur if:
1. the lower court judge applied the law incorrectly
2. the lower court judge used the wrong procedures
3. new evidence turns up
4. a citizen's rights were violated
United States Supreme Court
- established by the U.S. Constitution
- consists of a chief justice and eight associate justices
- they choose which cases to hear
- cases involve a question about the U.S. Constitution or federal law
So, what kind of cases will federal courts hear?
Article III of the U.S. Constitution gives the federal courts original jurisdiction to hear eight kinds of cases.
Original Jurisdiction
1. cases involving the U.S. Constitution
2. violations of federal law
Original Jurisdiction
3. conflicts between states
4. disputes between people in different states
Original Jurisdiction
5. lawsuits involving the federal government
6. cases involving foreign governments and treaties
Original Jurisdiction
7. cases based on admiralty and maritime law
8. cases involving U.S. diplomats
Don't forget, federal courts also have appellate jurisdiction.
Let's check in!
Let's Check In
Question 1: What are the 3 levels of the federal court system?
Answer: U.S District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court
Let's Check In
Question 2: Your friend tells you that she just found out her case will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.  What kind of question would your friend's case involve?
Answer: a question about a constitutional issue or federal law
Let's Check In
Question 3: Why can't a jury ever find anyone guilty of a crime within a U.S. Court of Appeals?
Answer: U.S. Courts of Appeals do not have juries although U.S. District Courts might have juries .
Video produced & edited by the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Staff
Thanks for watching!
Produced for instructional purposes by the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship at the Lou Frey Institute at the University of Central Florida

3.11/2/6: Federal Courts

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