The Federal Court System
U.S. Supreme Court
Hears appeals from state courts and lower
federal courts.
Original jurisdiction in certain cases
involving a state or a foreign diplomat.
(9 justices, no jury)
U.S. Court of Appeals
Hears appeals and reviews decisions made
in U.S. District Courts
Reviews rulings made by federal
regulatory agencies.
(3 judges, no jury)
U.S. District Court
Hears cases involving:
People from different states
Disputes between states themselves
The Constitution and Constitutional rights
Violations of federal laws
(Judge, with or without a jury)
The Virginia Court System
Virginia Supreme Court
Court of final appeal. Appellate
jurisdiction from lower courts.
Limited original jurisdiction.
(7 justices, no jury)
Court of Appeals
Appellate jurisdiction:
Reviews decisions of circuit courts.
(11 judges, no jury)
or
Circuit Court
Original Jurisdiction
Appellate Jurisdiction
Felony criminal cases
Cases appealed from the
district court level
Civil cases generally involving
large sums of money
(Judge, with or without jury)
General District Court
Original jurisdiction:
Less serious crimes – called
misdemeanors.
Civil cases generally involving smaller
sums of money
(Judge, no jury)
Juvenile and Domestic Relations
District Court
Original jurisdiction:
Criminal and civil actions involving
children and families.
Juvenile – under 18 years old
(Judge, no jury)