Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes the judicial branch as one of the three separate and distinct branches of the federal government.
These three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — operate within a constitutional system of “checks and balances.” This means that although each branch is formally separate from the other two, the Constitution often requires cooperation among the branches. Federal laws, for example, are passed by Congress and signed by the President. The judicial branch, in turn, has the authority to decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolve other cases involving federal laws. But judges depend upon the executive branch to enforce court decisions.
Courts provide a peaceful way to decide private disputes that people can’t resolve themselves. Depending on the dispute or crime, some cases end up in the federal courts and some end up in state courts.
Learn about the difference between federal and state courts.
Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Article III of the U.S. Constitution created the Supreme Court and authorized Congress to pass laws establishing a system of lower courts. Learn more about the Supreme Court.
Courts of Appeals
There are 13 appellate courts that sit below the U.S. Supreme Court, and they are called U.S. courts of appeals. The appellate court’s task is to determine whether the law was applied correctly in the trial court or federal administrative agency. Learn more about courts of appeals.
District Courts
The nation’s 94 district or trial courts are called U.S. district courts. District courts resolve disputes by determining the facts and applying the law to those facts. Learn more about district courts.
Bankruptcy Courts
There are 90 U.S. bankruptcy courts. Bankruptcy courts help people and businesses who cannot pay their debts get a “fresh start.” Learn more about bankruptcy courts.
Article I Courts
Congress created several Article I that are not part of the Third Branch. Article I Courts include:
Inside Look: Appellate Courts
Step inside the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Learn about processes, court culture, and landmark cases.
Understanding the Federal Courts
Want to further develop your knowledge of the federal courts? Read Understanding the Federal Courts.
U.S. Federal Courts Circuit Map
Download a map of how the federal courts are split into twelve regional circuits and one Federal Circuit.