United States District Courts
The United States district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system. Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution, the district courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters. There are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Three territories of the United States -- the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands -- have district courts that hear federal cases.
Not all federal district court decisions are published. Check individual district court Web sites for current decisions. The Federal Reporter and the Federal Supplement report decisions of the district courts. Cases not published may be obtained by contacting the clerk of the appropriate court.
United States Courts of Appeals
The 94 U.S. district courts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a United States court of appeals. The 12 federal appellate courts review decisions of the district courts within their circuits, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies. The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has jurisdiction over Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Current decisions from the United States Courts of Appeals are available from their Web site, LexisNexis Academic database, and the Federal Reporter.
U.S. Supreme Court
At its discretion, and within certain guidelines established by Congress, the Supreme Court each year hears a limited number of the cases it is asked to decide. Those cases may begin in the federal or state courts, and they usually involve important questions about the Constitution or federal law. The United States Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices. Decisions of the Supreme Court are available from several Web sites and published in United States Reports.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
Congress in 1978 established the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court as a special court and authorized the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven federal district court judges to review applications for warrants related to national security investigations.
U.S. Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
This Board is the the authorized representative of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, in hearing, considering and determining appeals by contractors from decisions of contracting officers or their authorized representatives or other authorities on disputed questions.
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. These courts are units of the district courts and exercise the bankruptcy jurisdiction established by statute and referred to them by their respective district courts.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
These courts exercise worldwide appellate jurisdiction over members of the armed forces on active duty and other persons subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims
Most cases deal with entitlement to disability or survivor benefits, or the amount of those benefits, but a few deal with education benefits, life insurance, home loan foreclosure, or waiver of indebtedness
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Federal Claims courts have jurisdiction over most claims for money damages against the United States, disputes over federal contracts, unlawful "takings" of private property by the federal government, and a variety of other claims against the United States.
U.S. Court of International Trade
The Court of International Trade addresses cases involving international trade and customs issues.
U.S. Tax Court
Tax Courts provide a judicial forum in which affected persons can dispute tax deficiencies determined by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue prior to payment of the disputed amounts.
