U.S. District Courts
The United States District Courts are the general trial courts of the federal judiciary. They have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters.
Structure
94 Districts
There are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Larger states are divided into multiple districts (e.g., Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western).
District Judges
Each district has at least two judges. There are currently 673 authorized district judgeships. Judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate for lifetime appointments.
Jurisdiction
Federal Question
Cases arising under the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties. Examples include civil rights violations, federal crimes, antitrust cases, and intellectual property disputes.
Diversity Jurisdiction
Civil cases between citizens of different states (or between a U.S. citizen and a foreign citizen) where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
Admiralty and Maritime
Cases involving navigable waters, shipping, and maritime commerce.
Types of Cases
Criminal Cases
- Drug trafficking
- White-collar crime (fraud, embezzlement)
- Immigration violations
- Weapons offenses
- Crimes on federal property
- Terrorism and national security
Civil Cases
- Civil rights claims
- Employment discrimination
- Patent and trademark disputes
- Environmental enforcement
- Social Security appeals
- Bankruptcy (handled by specialized courts)
Court Personnel
District Judges
Presidentially appointed, lifetime tenure. Handle trials, rule on motions, and manage their caseloads.
Magistrate Judges
Appointed by district judges for 8-year terms. Handle preliminary matters in criminal cases, some civil cases with party consent, and help manage heavy caseloads.
Clerk of Court
Manages court administration, maintains records, and oversees case filing and scheduling.
U.S. Attorneys
Federal prosecutors appointed by the President for each district. They represent the United States in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation.
The Trial Process
District courts are where federal trials take place. Cases may be decided by a judge alone (bench trial) or by a jury. The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases exceeding $20.
Most cases never go to trial—approximately 97% of federal criminal cases end in plea agreements, and most civil cases settle before trial.