Federal Court

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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.

Related Articles:
  • Glossary: District Courts
    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.
  • Glossary: Jurisdiction
    The defined area of responsibility to which a law applies within and thereby has the authority to hear a case.Also, the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility.For example, a Federal court may not have jurisdiction over a violation of a state law.
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