How many levels are there in the federal court system?

The federal court system in the United States is structured into three distinct levels, which are designed to handle different types of cases and appeals. The first level consists of the U.S. District Courts, which serve as the trial courts where most federal cases are initiated. They hear cases involving federal law, including civil and criminal cases.

Above the District Courts is the U.S. Court of Appeals, which represents the second level of the federal court system. There are 13 appellate courts that review decisions made by District Courts. These courts do not conduct trials, but rather examine the trial records and determine whether legal errors were made that could have affected the outcome of the case.

The highest level is the U.S. Supreme Court, which serves as the final arbiter on legal disputes. It has the authority to interpret the Constitution and federal law, and it selects only a few cases to hear each term, often those that have significant legal implications or where there is a need to clarify the law.

This three-tier structure allows for a comprehensive judicial process, ensuring that cases can be thoroughly vetted at the trial level and that legal correctness can be pursued in appellate reviews and ultimately resolved at the highest court. Each level plays a critical role in maintaining the rule of law and