Chapter 7 Court Flow Steps

How many judicial districts are in the US court of appeals?

94 judicial districts

How many judges serve on a state appellate court?

varies from state to state, 3 is common

1st step of federal felony case flow

US attorney presents evidence to grand jury

2nd step of federal felony case flow

if charged, arraignment then appeal (if filed)

3rd step of federal felony case flow

Court of Appeals reviews for legal errors only

4th step of federal felony case flow

if a constitutional issue exists, may petition for SCOTUS to hear the case

1st step of state felony case flow

usually begins at state district court

2nd step of state felony case flow

convicted defendants may appeal if the judge made a procedural error

3rd step of state felony case flow

if a prejudicial error was made, appellate court may reverse and remand the case

4th step of state felony case flow

if constitutional issue is involved, may proceed to state supreme court to SCOTUS