District Courts

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Every state has at least one district court. District courts are the lowest level of the federal court system. Virtually all federal cases arise in the federal district courts. Decisions made by district courts can be used as precedent in other courts in that state.

Related Articles:
  • Glossary: Courts of Appeal (circuit courts)
    There are twelve regional courts of appeals. Each court of appeals covers a "circuit" of states, and they are generally referred to as "circuit courts." The circuit courts hear appeals of decisions from the district courts. Decisions made by circuit courts can be used as precedent for all courts within that circuit
  • Glossary: Federal Court
    All federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Once confirmed, a federal judge has a lifetime term. There are three levels of courts in the federal system: District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
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