Lower Federal Courts

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the American judicial system. It is important not to overlook the lower federal courts, however, because the majority of federal court cases are heard in the lower federal courts. The United States District Courts are on the bottom tier of the federal judiciary, and the United States Courts of Appeals are on the second tier. These courts have different jurisdiction and serve different geographic areas. This topic will explore these lower federal courts, as well as the special purpose courts created under Articles I and III of the Constitution.

Essential Questions

• How does the jurisdiction of each of the regular federal courts differ?
• How do special purpose courts meet the needs of the federal government?