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U.S. Courts of Appeals

The United States Courts of Appeals are the intermediate appellate courts of the federal judiciary. They review decisions from district courts and federal administrative agencies, serving as the final word on most federal cases.

Structure

13 Circuits

There are 13 Courts of Appeals: 12 regional circuits (numbered 1-11 plus the D.C. Circuit) and the Federal Circuit, which has nationwide jurisdiction over specific subject matters.

Panel Review

Cases are typically heard by panels of three judges. In rare cases, all judges in a circuit may hear a case together (“en banc”).

The Regional Circuits

  • 1st Circuit: ME, MA, NH, RI, PR
  • 2nd Circuit: CT, NY, VT
  • 3rd Circuit: DE, NJ, PA, VI
  • 4th Circuit: MD, NC, SC, VA, WV
  • 5th Circuit: LA, MS, TX
  • 6th Circuit: KY, MI, OH, TN
  • 7th Circuit: IL, IN, WI
  • 8th Circuit: AR, IA, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD
  • 9th Circuit: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, Guam, N. Mariana Islands
  • 10th Circuit: CO, KS, NM, OK, UT, WY
  • 11th Circuit: AL, FL, GA
  • D.C. Circuit: Washington, D.C.

Special Circuits

D.C. Circuit

Often considered the second most important court after the Supreme Court. It has special jurisdiction over many federal agency decisions and cases involving separation of powers.

Federal Circuit

Has nationwide jurisdiction over specific subject areas including patents, international trade, government contracts, and veterans' benefits. Based in Washington, D.C.

The Appeals Process

Appeals courts do not retry cases or hear new evidence. They review whether the lower court correctly applied the law and followed proper procedures.

  1. Notice of appeal filed within strict deadlines
  2. Record from lower court transmitted
  3. Written briefs submitted by both parties
  4. Oral argument (if granted)
  5. Three-judge panel issues decision
  6. Losing party may petition for en banc review or Supreme Court certiorari

Circuit Judges

Appointment

Circuit judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Like Supreme Court justices, they serve lifetime appointments during “good behaviour.”

Numbers

There are currently 179 authorized circuit judgeships. The number varies by circuit based on caseload. The 9th Circuit is the largest with 29 judges.

Official Resources

About Courts of AppealsFind Your Circuit