In the United States, a district court is the trial level of the federal court system. Each state has at least one district court, and is presided over by a district judge, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. These judges have the power to hear both criminal and civil cases, as well as to review appeals from lower courts.
What Types of Cases Are Heard in a District Court?
Since district courts are the trial-level court of the federal court system, the cases heard are generally between residents of different states who are seeking a resolution to a dispute or who have been accused of criminal activity. These cases are often related to federal laws, such as copyright infringement, bankruptcy, counterfeiting, environmental disputes, civil rights violations, and other more serious criminal cases.
Why Is District Court Important?
District court is important because it is the initial court to review cases and determine if they should move forward to a higher court. A decision made in district court can have lasting effects and be used as precedent for future cases. District court is also the forum in which settlements or plea bargains are more often worked out, without the time or expense of trials that would be found in higher courts.