Final answer:
The entry point for most litigation in the federal courts is at the U.S. District Court, progressing to the U.S. Court of Appeals, and potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The entry point for most litigation in the federal courts is the U.S. District Court. The federal court system's hierarchy begins with these trial courts where cases are first heard. If parties to the case are dissatisfied with the decision made at the district court level, they have the option to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
The appellate courts review decisions made by the district courts. Only a small fraction of cases may proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which can choose to hear cases either from the federal appellate level or state supreme courts when a federal issue is presented.