Some courts cannot decide cases where the amount in controversy exceeds a certain amount. Certain state courts do not have jurisdiction to consider federal issues. A state court does not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal from a federal court. Before filing any lawsuit, it is necessary to determine which court has jurisdiction over the controversy. A. Most of the federal court system is divided into districts and circuits.
Populous states can have more than one district.
Generally, a federal lawsuit begins in the federal District Court. Appeals from the federal District Court are taken to a Circuit Court of Appeals, and thereafter, to the United States Supreme Court. Some types of federal cases are heard in special courts such as the Tax Court, Bankruptcy Court, and the Court of Federal Claims. The United States Supreme Court is the final authority on the law of the land. The nine justices who sit on the Supreme Court are nominated by the president and approved by the United States Senate.