The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

About the Federal Court System

The Federal Court System

There are many different court systems and types of courts in this country. Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes a federal court system as one of the three separate and distinct branches of the federal government.

Although many states and localities have their own court systems, Leadership Conference/Education Fund activities are focused on the federal court system because federal civil rights laws are mostly enforced in federal courts. In addition, civil rights laws are enforced in civil courts rather than criminal courts.

• The Difference between Federal Courts and State/Local Courts
• The Difference between Civil Courts and Criminal Courts

Types of Courts in the Federal System

Within the federal court system there are four main types of courts: the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Bankruptcy Courts. Cases are generally heard first in the District Courts (trial courts), and if either party disagrees with the decision, can be appealed to a higher court (appellate courts) for further review. The Bankruptcy Courts have a special function: they only hear bankruptcy cases.

Leadership Conference/Education Fund activities are focused on the federal appellate courts (Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals), because the outcome of appeals cases have the potential to affect large numbers of people.

• The Difference between Trial Courts and Appellate Courts
• Learn More About the U.S. Supreme Court
• Learn More About the U.S. Courts of Appeals

More on How the Federal Court System Works

These resources are from USCourts.gov.

• The Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts
• What Happens in a Civil Case
• The Appeals Process 
• United States Judges
• Commonly Used Terms