United States Court Of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals
The United States Court of Appeals constitutes a critical component of the federal judiciary of the United States. As intermediate appellate courts, they are tasked with reviewing decisions from the United States District Courts, which are the general trial courts of the federal system. This review process is essential to ensure legal uniformity and fairness across the judicial landscape.
Structure and Function
The United States Courts of Appeals are organized into 13 circuits, encompassing 12 regional circuits and the Federal Circuit. Each circuit covers multiple states and territories and is responsible for handling appeals within its geographic jurisdiction. The Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction over specific types of cases, such as those involving patents and international trade.
The main function of these appellate courts is to determine whether the law was applied correctly in the trial court and whether the proceedings in these lower courts were conducted fairly. They do not, however, conduct trials or hear new evidence. Instead, they review the record from the lower court and consider legal arguments from both sides, presented through written briefs and oral arguments.
Appellate Review Process
The appellate review process is a cornerstone of the United States legal system. Once a district court has rendered a decision, the parties involved have the right to appeal to the appropriate Court of Appeals. This right ensures that legal errors can be corrected and that justice is administered equitably. In 2023, the Courts of Appeals handled over 50,000 cases, though only a small fraction of these decisions are appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.
These courts operate under a system known as "mandatory review," meaning they must hear all appeals of right from the lower courts. This mandate helps maintain a consistent application of law across the federal judiciary.
Historical Context
The establishment of the United States Courts of Appeals was a critical development in the evolution of the federal judiciary. The Judiciary Act of 1891 created the courts as intermediaries between the district courts and the Supreme Court of the United States, thereby alleviating the caseload of the Supreme Court and providing a more efficient appellate process.
Historically, these courts have played a significant role in shaping federal law, often serving as the final arbiter in cases where the Supreme Court chooses not to grant review. The precedents set by the Courts of Appeals are binding on the district courts within their respective circuits unless overturned by the Supreme Court.