Learn about our court's civics education programs and resources, and resources provided by the federal Judiciary.
Civics Education at our Court
Attention Courts
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Federal Court Basics
Historical Origins
Start your exploration with Article III of the Constitution, then move on to the Judiciary Act of 1789 and the Evarts Act of 1891. Read an overview of the modern federal court system and view a map of the federal courts.
Basic Pillars of Court Literacy
Separation of Powers
- Video: Court Shorts: Separation of Powers
- Separation of Powers and the 1st Amendment
- Separation of Powers and the 14th Amendment
Rule of Law
- Video: Court Shorts: Rule of Law
- Rule of Law and the Expression of Unpopular Views, Participation in Juries; Exercise of Religion; and Access to Education.
Impartial Judiciary
Types of Cases Heard in Federal Courts
Federal courts handle many kinds of cases, including issues related to:
The U.S. Constitution, criminal laws made by Congress; federal laws and regulations; disputes between states; disputes between people or entities in different states; interstate and international commerce; issues with foreign states and foreign nationals; international trade laws; admiralty laws; patent, copyright, and intellectual property laws; disputes related to the stock market; bankruptcy; habeas corpus petitions; crimes on federal land.
Impact of the Federal Courts on People’s Lives
- Find examples of landmark cases applied to contemporary teen scenarios.
- Bill of Rights in Your Life
- Video: Bill of Rights
Case Examples – Individuals Seeking Protection of their Rights
Structure of the Federal System and Differences Between Federal and State Courts
- Comparing federal and state courts
- Number of district courts and courts of appeals in the federal court system
Types of Federal Judges
- About federal judges
- Qualifications and types of judgeships
- Nomination process
- Video: Federal judges’ oath
- Video Series: Faces of the federal Judiciary: Pathways to the Bench
Types of Federal Courts
Find Your Nearest Federal Courthouse
Jury Service
- Qualifications for serving
- Types of juries
- What happens when I am summoned to serve?
- How are jurors selected?
- What do jurors say about their experience?
- Do jurors get paid?
- Video: Why is it considered an honor, not just an obligation, to serve?
- Video: What do judges say about the role of juries?
Appellate Process and Impact of Appellate Courts
- Overview of the appellate process
- Impact of the U.S. Courts of Appeals on your life
- Examples of courts of appeals cases