Understanding the US Federal Court System and Civil Rights

The Three Levels of the Federal Court System

District Courts

Spread throughout the country, these serve as the trial courts of the federal system. They have original jurisdiction over nearly all criminal and civil cases.

Courts of Appeal

These courts hear appeals from district courts and federal agencies with rule-making or enforcement power. Their main function is to review decisions of trial courts for errors of law. Because they possess only appellate jurisdiction, they do not hold trials, determine punishments, or decide remedies.

The Supreme Court

As the ultimate appellate court, it handles cases affecting ambassadors, consuls, and ministers, as well as cases involving major questions regarding the meaning of the Constitution or federal law. Four of the nine justices must vote to accept a case.

The Bill of Rights

• 1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, and press.
• 2nd Amendment: The right to bear arms.
• 3rd Amendment: The housing of soldiers.
• 4th Amendment: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
• 5th Amendment: Protection of rights to life, liberty, and property.
• 6th Amendment: Rights of accused persons in criminal cases.
• 7th Amendment: Rights in civil cases.
• 8th Amendment: Excessive bail, fines, and cruel punishment forbidden.
• 9th Amendment: Other rights kept by the people.
• 10th Amendment: Undelegated powers kept by the states or the people.

Civil Lawsuit Procedures

Civil lawsuits that are not settled proceed to trial through the following steps:

1. The plaintiff hires a lawyer and files a complaint with the court.
2. Both sides may seek to settle the dispute before trial.
3. If the trial proceeds, both sides exchange information about evidence and witnesses during discovery.
4. The trial is heard by a jury or judge.
5. The jury or judge issues a ruling.
6. Decisions may be appealed.

Settling Lawsuits

The plaintiff brings the suit against a defendant, often seeking financial compensation to correct an alleged wrong. The defendant may be found liable based on a preponderance of evidence.

Bail After Sentencing

Once the court case is over, the bail money is returned to the accused, even if they are found guilty.

Historical Movements for Equality

Women's Fight for Rights

After the 15th Amendment granted African American men the right to vote but excluded women, women formed organizations to lobby for suffrage. In the early 1900s, a renewed effort involving marches and picketing led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

The Civil Rights Movement

This movement successfully banned discrimination, ended the unequal application of voting requirements, and prohibited racial segregation in schools and the workplace.