Question

Describe the basic structure of the federal court system (be sure to take into account all three levels). Under what circumstances might the U.S. Supreme Court hear an appeal from a state high court?

Answer 1

Answer:

The basic structure of the federal court system consists of three levels - The Supreme Court, The Circuit Court of Appeals and The District Court.

Explanation:

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal system of U.S. It is often called the highest court  because it hears appeals from state courts as well as federal courts. The Supreme Court hears most cases on appeals or if four of the nine Justices agree to issue a writ.

The Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from specialized trial courts as well as appeals from the district courts on certain important cases and other specialized issue. The Courts of Appeal are divided into twelve different circuits. They are also known as circuit courts.

The District Court is the lowest court of appeal in U.S. Normally, every case gets initiated in a  district court. They deal in civil and criminal cases, constitutional laws, etc. There are 94 district courts in total.

The U.S. Supreme Court hears an appeal from a state high court through an appeal from a circuit court.