Overview of the American Judicial System

The judicial system of America is divided into different courts. The USA judicial system helps in maintaining law and order in the country and protects the rights of every individual.

Every country needs a judicial system so that people can live peacefully and freely. The USA judicial system is explained below.

US Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court comprises of a chief justice and eight associate justice of America. As per the guidelines and discretion, the Supreme Court hears few cases every year that it is asked to solve. Those cases start at state or federal courts and mostly involve vital questions regarding the federal or constitutional law.

Courts of Appeal

US had 94 judicial districts that are arranged into twelve regional circuits, each circuit has its own US court of appeal. The hearings for people from district courts situated within circuit are conducted at court of appeals. Also the court of appeals has nationwide jurisdiction for federal circuit to hear the appeals in particular cases like those involving the patent cases and laws decided by the court of Federal Claims and the court of International Trade.

District Courts

The district courts are federal court system trail’s court. As per the limits set by the constitution and the congress, the district court has jurisdiction for hearing all federal category cases, including both criminal and civil matters. Every day several people across the country are chosen for the jury and assist decide few of such cases.
The federal judicial districts are 94 in number, one district court for each state. The Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam have their separate district courts that hear different federal cases including the bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy Courts

The bankruptcy courts in US are separate unit of district courts. The federal courts enjoy exclusive jurisdiction over the bankruptcy cases. That means a bankruptcy case can’t be filed under a state court. The bankruptcy courts solve the cases of the individuals who are not able to pay back their creditors. They are granted a fresh start by clearing their assets to return their debts or by preparing a repayment plan. This judicial system also helps troubled businesses and offers orderly distribution to the creditors through liquidation or reorganization. The procedures are guided by the Title 11 in the US bankruptcy code. The basics of bankruptcy provides basic knowledge to the creditors, debtors, media, court personnel and general public on various aspects of federal bankruptcy laws. The bankruptcy code was amended in year 2005 to require that many individual debtors fulfill an exclusive briefing through an approved counseling agency prior to filing a case.

These various courts are the main pillars of the American Judicial system.