Lower Federal Courts

Throughout this topic, you examined the lower federal courts. It is important for you to understand the organization of the federal judiciary. The U.S. District Courts, also known as the trial courts, have original jurisdiction and reside on the first tier. The U.S. Courts of appeals, also known as the circuit courts, have appellate jurisdiction and reside on the second tier. The Supreme Court is at the top of the three-tier system and is superior to the other two.

The Supreme Court is also superior to the special purpose courts. Some of these courts were established through the "Necessary and Proper" clause under Article I of the Constitution to help the legislative branch perform its duties. Others were established by Congress under Article III of the Constitution to help the judicial branch with its large number of cases. These special courts are an important part of the judicial branch and the federal government as a whole.