The Federal Court System

Our Federal Court system is primarily composed of three high power jurisdictions that operate much differently than that of the state courts. Federal Courts consist of federal district courts, United States courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States; however, these courts have limitations in cases that solely focus on the Constitution and federal law. Federal district courts are considered general trial courts that consist of over six hundred and seventy-five district court judges nationwide, and they have ranked the lowest courts out of the entire federal court system. United States courts of appeal, however, are ranked second in the system and are composed of six judges on the first circuit and can reach up to twenty-nine …show more content…
These courts also have the capability to decide an appeal after a Circuit has ruled, either party has the option of choosing to appeal to Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court is not obligated to heed an appeal, since the Constitution has no requirements for these judges. Parties still have the opportunity to file for certiorari that permits their case to be heard if granted, but if the party’s petition is denied, then the lower court’s opinion …show more content…
A civil case is essentially a person or a company that inquires a judge to settle civil problems. What 's unique to a civil case that shows clear distinction from a criminal case is that it resolves issues regarding inheritance, a contract, a family dispute such as divorce or child custody, and damage suffered due to another person’s lack of responsibility. The majority of civil cases end with the requirement of the person responsible for damage, or other problems (defendant) needs to provide compensation to the plaintiff using reimbursement of money, restoring the property, or fulfilling promised services. On the contrary, a criminal case is ultimately a person that is taken into custody and presented before the court because of the alleged crime he/she has committed. The jury and judge 's obligation is always to bear into contemplation the evidence that 's presented before the court to make a final verdict of guilty or not guilty. Characteristics of criminal cases that create separation from civil cases are crimes that include, but not limited to, assaults, murder, sexual assault, identity theft, drug possession, and counterfeiting money. The majority of criminal cases end with the requirement of the guilty person paying a fine, accomplishing