Final answer:
Appeals from independent regulatory commissions are heard by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. It plays a significant role within the federal judiciary system and its decisions can be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The court that hears appeals from independent regulatory commissions is the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. This court falls within a higher tier of the federal judiciary system, known as the U.S. Courts of Appeals or circuit courts.
The D.C. Circuit, in particular, specializes in reviewing decisions and rules made by federal administrative agencies, including independent regulatory commissions. These commissions often deal with complex issues such as energy regulation, telecommunications, and securities trading. Appeals from the decisions of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals can be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the United States.