Final answer:
The U.S. federal court system has three levels: district courts, circuit courts or U.S. courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Each level serves a specific function, with the Supreme Court at the top having the ultimate authority on constitutional matters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal court system of the United States has three levels. At the base are the district courts, which serve as the trial courts where cases are initially heard and decided. The middle tier consists of the circuit courts, also known as the U.S. courts of appeals, where decisions from the district courts can be appealed. At the top is the U.S. Supreme Court, which has the final say on matters of federal and constitutional law. This system is designed to provide a structured and consistent means of legal adjudication while allowing for a certain degree of evolution over time.
Each tier has a distinctive role in the judiciary. The district courts focus on the facts of a case and apply existing law. The circuit courts review cases to determine if the law was applied correctly and may set precedents that district courts follow. The U.S. Supreme Court's role is to interpret the Constitution and has the authority to overturn precedents, shaping the direction of U.S. law.