Final answer:
In the federal court system, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (F.R.C.P.) guide civil procedures except where Rule 81 applies. The federal courts have evolved over time and hold jurisdiction over federal questions, criminal and civil matters, and specific types of cases. There are 94 district courts in the system where these cases are heard.
Step-by-step explanation:
In federal court, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (F.R.C.P.) govern the procedure in all civil actions and proceedings in the United States district courts, except as stated in F.R.C.P. Rule 81.
The United States federal courts have the jurisdiction to hear cases that involve a 'federal question,' involving the Constitution, federal laws or treaties, or a 'federal party' in which the U.S. government is a party to the case. They are equipped to hear both civil and criminal matters, though it is common for many criminal cases involving federal law to be tried in state courts.
Today's federal court system has evolved over more than two hundred years through various acts of Congress. The district courts, while not specifically called for in Article III of the Constitution, were established by Congress and originally had their jurisdiction narrowly defined. Over time, their jurisdiction expanded, allowing them to review constitutional issues and matters of federal law.
According to Section 2 Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, Federal Courts have the jurisdiction to decide cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and disputes between residents of different states. However, most legal matters, such as crimes and civil disputes, are usually handled by state courts. Nonetheless, the federal courts will hear cases involving international matters, patent issues, and other specific federal concerns.
Furthermore, special types of federal courts, like the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, handle specific types of cases with national jurisdiction. There are ninety-four U.S. district courts across the states and territories, each serving as trial courts where federal cases are heard by either a single judge or a jury, depending on the case.