United States district courts

Introduction

The United States district courts are the general trial courts of the United States federal court system. Both civil and criminal cases are filed in district courts, each of which is a court of law, equity, and admiralty. There is a United States bankruptcy court associated with each United States district court.

History

The United States district courts were first established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. They have functioned as the principal trial courts of the federal judiciary ever since. The courts were originally given jurisdiction over all civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws, and treaties of the United States; all controversies involving ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls; and all controversies between two or more states and between a state and the citizens of another state.

A large, imposing building with a classical design, symbolizing the authority and permanence of the United States district courts.

Jurisdiction

The district courts exercise original jurisdiction over— that is, they are empowered to conduct trials in— the following types of cases:

Federal question jurisdiction
Diversity jurisdiction
Supplemental jurisdiction
Removal jurisdiction
Admiralty jurisdiction

In addition, the district courts have appellate jurisdiction over certain cases.

Organization

Each state, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, constitutes one judicial district. Additionally, there are 20 districts in the territories (Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and others). Each district has at least one district judge, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a life term. District courts are divided into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a United States court of appeals.

Procedure

The procedure in the district courts is governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The district courts also follow the Federal Rules of Evidence, which set the rules for admitting evidence in federal courts.

Role in the Judiciary

The district courts play a crucial role in the federal judicial system. They serve as the trial courts where cases are heard and decided. The decisions of the district courts are subject to review by the United States courts of appeals.