4.1 Federal Court System
The federal judiciary is structured into three primary levels:
- District Courts (trial courts)
- Circuit Courts of Appeals
- Supreme Court
District courts handle fact-finding and trials, while appellate courts review legal errors. The Supreme Court serves as the final authority on federal constitutional issues.
4.2 State Court Systems
State courts vary by jurisdiction but generally include:
- Trial courts (general and limited jurisdiction)
- Intermediate appellate courts
- State supreme courts
Each state maintains its own procedural rules, contributing to inconsistencies across jurisdictions.
4.3 Specialized Courts
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