The Circuit Courts of Appeals are intermediate appellate courts in the federal judicial system of the United States. They have jurisdiction to hear appeals from the district courts within their respective geographic circuits, as well as certain other specialized cases. The Circuit Courts of Appeals play a crucial role in the federal judiciary by providing a second level of review for cases that have already been decided by the district courts. Their decisions are binding within their circuits and can only be overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States.
A Circuit Court of Appeals is a federal court that hears appeals from the district courts within its designated circuit. There are 13 circuit courts in the United States, each covering a specific geographic area.
The number of judges on a Circuit Court of Appeals varies depending on the circuit. Some circuits have more judges than others, but typically there are between 6 and 29 judges on each circuit.
Judges on the Circuit Court of Appeals are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. They serve lifetime appointments, unless they choose to retire or are impeached.
The Circuit Court of Appeals primarily hears appeals from the district courts in its circuit. These appeals can involve a wide range of legal issues, including civil and criminal cases, administrative agency decisions, and constitutional challenges.
In most cases, the decision of a Circuit Court of Appeals is final. However, there are limited circumstances where you can petition the Supreme Court to review the decision if you believe there was a significant legal error.
The time it takes for a case to be heard by the Circuit Court of Appeals can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the caseload of the court. On average, it can take several months to over a year for a case to be heard and decided.
Yes, you can request a rehearing from the same panel of judges or from the entire circuit court if you believe there was a mistake of law or fact in the original decision. However, rehearings are rarely granted.
No, the Circuit Court of Appeals is an appellate court, meaning it only reviews decisions made by lower courts. To initiate a lawsuit, you must first file your case in a district court within the circuit.
You can find the contact information for each Circuit Court of Appeals on the official website of the United States Courts. Additionally, you can contact the Clerk’s Office of the specific circuit for any inquiries or assistance.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 4th April 2024.
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