District and Circuit Courts

The court system has many separate sectors and levels. Two of these are the District and Circuit courts. District courts deal with trials, and are courts of origian jurisdiction. Circuit courts do not deal with evidence, and examine trial records.

There are 94 District courts in the United States, with every state having at least one. Some of the larger states can have as many as 4. District courts hear both civil and criminal cases, making this where most federal cases begin. The judge determines the issues of law, and the jury finds issues of fact.

There are 13 Circuit courts of appeal in the United States. The "13th" Court sits in Washington D.C. With exception to those criminals found guilty, anyone can go to circuit court when displeased with their judgement in a district court.These courts do not review any facts, they simply determine if the trial record is correct.