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District Courts

District courts handle about 90% of cases in the U.S., dealing with around 300,000 cases annually. They possess original jurisdiction, allowing them to hear cases for the first time. Judges are appointed by the President and serve lifetime terms. Key figures include magistrates, who oversee pre-trial procedures; U.S. Attorneys, who prosecute; and marshals, who enforce court orders. After district court decisions, cases may be appealed to the Appeals Court, which reviews for errors without jury involvement. Appeals focus on whether judicial mistakes were made, not on guilt or innocence.

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District Courts

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  1. District Courts • Where most of the cases are held • About 90% of cases start in district courts • 300,000 cases per year(criminal and civil) • District courts have original jurisdiction ** • Original jurisdiction = to hear cases for the first time ** • District court judges are appointed by President and have lifetime terms

  2. Other people in District Courts • Magistrate – person who issues court orders and has a pre-trial to determine whether a case should be taken to actual trial • US Attorney – The lawyer on behalf of the U.S. • In criminal cases, he/she will always be on the side of the prosecution • Marshal – arrests suspects and delivers people to district courts • Issue subpoenas - an order requiring you to go to trial

  3. US Appeals Court • Where cases go after district courts • Appellate jurisdiction –to hear cases that have already been decided in lower courts. Why? • Wrong procedure • Error on part of judge, jury, or lawyer • New evidence brought forth • Violation of the Constitution • Lifetime appointments for judges

  4. An important note: • Appeals courts ARE NOT deciding cases to determine whether the party is innocent or guilty • INSTEAD, they’re trying to determine whether an error or mistake was made • If so, the sentence can be revoked or changed • Or, it could go to the Supreme Court

  5. Appeals Cases • There is no jury in an appeals case. • Only the judges decide!

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