Court Levels
The lowest level of federal courts, where trials are held.
District Courts
The authority to hear a case for the first time.
Original jurisdiction
Who appoints federal judges?
The President
Who represents the U.S. in federal trials?
U.S. Attorneys
These courts review decisions from lower courts.
Courts of Appeals
When both state and federal courts can hear a case.
Concurrent jurisdiction
Who must approve federal judges?
The Senate
Which officials help judges with routine work like issuing warrants?
Magistrate Judges
The highest authority in the U.S. court system.
Supreme Court
Only federal courts can hear these cases.
Exclusive jurisdiction
Federal judges serve this length of term.
Life
Who protects the courtroom, makes arrests, and takes prisoners to jail?
U.S. Marshals
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
9
A dispute between Colorado and California over water belongs here.
Federal Court
The only way to remove a federal judge from office.
Impeachment
Who keeps records and helps the judge in court?
Clerks
This level of court can remand, reverse, or uphold a case.
Courts of Appeals
A case involving $100,000 between citizens of different states may be tried here.
Federal Court
This tradition lets home-state senators approve or reject nominees.
Senatorial courtesy
What is a court order that makes someone come to court called?
Subpoena