The U.S. judicial system consists of several types of courts that are further split into the two categories of district and circuit courts. District courts hold federal trials, while the circuit courts hold both trials and appeals for cases decided by district courts. Within the country and its associated territories, there are 94 district courts (at least one per state) and 13 circuit courts.

The District Court

The district court is where a federal case begins. Cases heard consist of statutory cases that violate the Constitution or its treaties and cases affecting citizens with a disputed value of more $75,000. These can include divorce cases, felonies, issues involving diversity, and cases concerning voters’ rights.

The Circuit Court

Although there are only 13 circuit courts, they are actually systems that expand further than a single courtroom. The name “circuit court” is derived from the fact that judges rotate around the geographical areas — circuits —- covered by their court system.

Circuit courts have the authority to try cases that involve the law, citizens, and businesses including civil disputes that amount to $15,000 or more, criminal cases, and violations of family laws. They may also appeal federal cases from district courts, particularly those that question whether current laws are constitutional.

The next step from circuit court is the Supreme Court, which is able to send cases back to both district and circuit courts for review; however, the Supreme Court only accepts 1 percent of all cases it receives. In this way, circuit courts can be very influential as they are able to set a legal precedent when deciding appeals.

The Differences Between District and Circuit Courts

The most distinct differences between the district and circuit courts are as follows:

  • Procedural rules. Only district courts follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Each geographical area within the circuit courts may have its own procedural rules.
  • Number of judges per case. Circuit courts have an appellate panel with three judges, whereas district courts have just a single judge. In both cases, judges are elected to serve six-year terms.
  • Jury services. In district courts, there are always 6 to 12 jurors who must come to an unanimous decision to settle the cases. Circuit courts may have smaller juries, can use alternates, and may mandate that the case be settled without agreement between all the jurors.
  • Sentencing. District courts provide sentencing and issue penalties; circuit courts do neither.