Overview of the U.S. Court System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the U.S. court system and its structure.

SCOTUS

Supreme Court of the United States.

Federal Jurisdiction

Refers to the authority of federal courts to hear cases involving U.S. federal law.

State Jurisdiction

Refers to the authority of state courts to hear cases involving state laws.

U.S. Courts of Appeal

Also known as Circuit Courts; there are 13 Circuit Courts.

U.S. District Courts

Trial courts of the federal system; a total of 94 District Courts exist.

U.S. Court of International Trade

A federal court that deals with international trade issues.

U.S. Court of Federal Claims

A federal court that hears monetary claims against the U.S. government.

Writ of Certiorari

A petition for the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision.

State Supreme Courts

The highest court in each state, typically the final appellate court.

U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal

Intermediate appellate courts that review decisions from U.S. District Courts.

Intermediate Appellate Courts

Courts that review decisions from trial courts in the state system.

State Trial Courts

Courts that handle the initial trial phase in the state legal system.