Step-by-step explanation:
The three levels of the federal court system in the United States are:
District Courts:
The District Courts are the first level of the federal court system. They are the trial courts where most federal cases begin. There are 94 District Courts in the United States, and each state has at least one. District Courts have original jurisdiction over most federal cases, including both civil and criminal cases.
Circuit Courts of Appeals:
The Circuit Courts of Appeals are the second level of the federal court system. There are 13 Circuit Courts of Appeals, each covering a geographic region of the United States. Circuit Courts of Appeals hear appeals from District Court decisions. They do not hold trials or hear new evidence. Instead, they review the legal decisions made in the lower court to determine if there were any errors of law or procedure. If they find an error, they may overturn the lower court's decision.
Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal court system. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal courts and has the power to hear appeals from both state and federal courts. The Supreme Court is made up of nine justices and its decisions are final. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and to determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and state legislatures.
A case could proceed through all of these levels in the following way:
District Court:
A case begins at the District Court level, where a judge hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a decision. If one of the parties is not satisfied with the District Court's decision, they can appeal to the Circuit Court of Appeals.
Circuit Court of Appeals:
The Circuit Court of Appeals will review the District Court's decision to determine if there were any errors of law or procedure. If they find an error, they may overturn the lower court's decision. If one of the parties is still not satisfied with the Circuit Court's decision, they can file a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court will decide whether or not to hear the case. If they decide to hear the case, the parties will present their arguments to the nine justices. The Supreme Court's decision is final and cannot be appealed.