Organizational hierarchy and roles within the U.S. judicial system

Sample Answer

The U.S. judicial system is characterized by a dual court system, meaning there are parallel federal and state court systems, each with its own distinct organizational hierarchy and roles. While they operate independently, they can intersect, particularly when federal questions arise in state courts or when cases are appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I. The Federal Judicial System

The federal judicial system is established under Article III of the U.S. Constitution and deals with cases involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between states, and certain types of cases involving the U.S. government.

A. Organizational Hierarchy (Three-Tiered Structure):

U.S. District Courts (Trial Courts):

Level: The lowest level of the federal judiciary. These are the general trial courts where federal cases originate.

Structure: There are 94 federal judicial districts, with at least one in each state, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Some larger states have multiple districts (e.g., Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western Districts).