Final answer:
The primary trial court in the federal system is the United States District Court, which is the starting point for federal cases. Appeals from these courts go to the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the ultimate appeals may be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary trial court in the federal system is the United States District Court. These courts are where federal cases are initiated, witness testimony is heard, and evidence is presented. With 94 U.S. District Courts across the states and territories, they do not cross state lines, and typically, a single judge presides over each one. Some cases are adjudicated by a jury, and some are bench trials without a jury.
After cases are heard in the district courts, parties may appeal to the U.S. Courts of Appeals, also known as circuit courts, which serve as the intermediate appellate courts in the federal system. There are thirteen circuit courts that review the rulings of district courts. Should a case require further appeal, it may reach the U.S. Supreme Court, although very few cases make it to this highest level of the federal judiciary. The Supreme Court is at the top of the federal court system and is regarded as the final court of appeal.