Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal
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The Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal (CCA), commonly known as Circuit Courts, serve as the intermediate appellate courts in the federal judicial system of the United States. They review appeals from the decisions of U.S. district courts, helping to interpret federal law uniformly across the nation.
Mission
The mission of the Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal is to provide a thorough review of legal disputes from U.S. district courts, ensuring that the law is correctly interpreted and applied. By setting legal precedents, these courts contribute to the development and consistency of federal law, offering a level of judicial review that can prevent cases from unnecessarily reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.
Parent organization
The Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal are part of the United States Federal Judiciary, which encompasses all federal courts.
Legislation
The establishment of these courts was authorized by the Judiciary Act of 1891, also known as the Evarts Act, which introduced the concept of intermediate appellate courts to manage the caseload of the Supreme Court.
Partners
- While there are no formal "partners," these courts have interactions with other judicial entities, legal associations, and sometimes state courts when dealing with federal questions.
Number of employees
The number of employees for each circuit varies, including judges, clerks, and administrative staff. No exact total is publicly available across all circuits.
Organization structure
- Chief Judge in each circuit manages administrative duties and often chairs the Judicial Council.
- Circuit Judges sit in panels of three to hear cases, with some cases heard en banc by the full court.
- Clerk of Court oversees operational matters like case processing and docket management.
List of programs
- Appellate Case Review
- Judicial Education and Continuing Legal Education
- Court Technology and Access to Justice Initiatives
Last total enacted budget
The budget for the Circuit Courts is part of the overall federal judiciary budget, which isn't broken down by individual court functions.
Leader
The title of the leader for each circuit is **Chief Judge of the Circuit**.
Services provided
The Circuit Courts provide appellate jurisdiction, deciding on legal issues that arise from district court decisions, setting precedents that guide lower courts, and occasionally reviewing administrative agency decisions. They also play a role in judicial education, helping to ensure that the judiciary remains knowledgeable about current laws and legal practices.
Regulations overseen
The Circuit Courts do not oversee regulations but interpret and apply federal law in their judicial decisions, affecting how regulations are understood and implemented.
Headquarters address
Each circuit has its own courthouse; thus, there isn't a single headquarters address for all Circuit Courts.
History
The Judicial Circuit Courts of Appeal were established to handle the growing number of appeals that were overwhelming the U.S. Supreme Court. The Judiciary Act of 1891 created these intermediate appellate courts, which have since played a crucial role in shaping federal law through their decisions. Over time, the number of circuits has adjusted to reflect demographic changes and the complexity of federal litigation.
External links
- Official Website for U.S. Courts of Appeals - https://www.uscourts.gov/courts-of-appeals
- wikipedia:United States courts of appeals
- Federal Judicial Center Information - https://www.fjc.gov/history/courts/us-courts-appeals
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure