federal Court Records

Access U.S. Federal Court Records

Federal court records include every case file created and maintained by the federal court. Each case file contains docket information and all documents filed in a particular case. Federal court records are available to members of the public and may be used for academic research, news publications, and as evidence in future legal proceedings. Interested persons can review these records to gain insight into court proceedings and outcomes. However, some records are exempt from public disclosure because they are deemed confidential by law or court rules.

How To Access Federal Court Records

Anyone who wants to access U.S. federal court records has several options depending on the nature of the record. Firstly, most federal court records are maintained electronically. Each federal court has its own records database, and members of the public can search for court records by searching the online database of the specific federal court that handled the case. If the researcher is unsure of the particular federal court that handled the case, they may use the Public Access to Electronic Court Records (PACER) to locate the case file. Anyone registered on the PACER system can search federal case files and docket information. A search using the PACER locator typically returns the name of the parties in the case, the case number, the date filled, and the court where the case was handled.

Furthermore, members of the public can also access specific federal court records via the telephone. For example, most bankruptcy courts operate a telephone information system known as the Voice Case Information System, which allows members of the public to call to obtain basic case information. Requesters may find a case via the voice case information system using the party's name, case number, or Social Security number. This service is free and available 24 hours a day.

Anyone who does not wish to search federal court records via the PACER system or is looking for access to federal court records created before 1999 may visit the specific federal courthouse where the case was filed. At each federal courthouse, requesters can access federal court records using public access terminals in the Clerk's office or going through files in paper format.

Interested persons may also inspect and copy federal court records created before 1999 at Federal Records Centers (FRCs). Archived federal court records can also be accessed by visiting any National Archives and Records Administration location in the country.

Understanding the Federal Court System

The United States federal court system was established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution to handle court cases at the national level. The Constitution created the United States Supreme Court and allowed Congress to establish lower courts such as the District and Circuit Courts. Consequently, the United States federal court system comprises the Supreme Court, District Courts, and the Circuit Courts. These courts work together to hear and adjudicate court cases at the national level. The United States federal court system is committed to upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and equal access to legal recourse throughout the country. It serves as a vital pillar of the country's judiciary through the impartial resolution of disputes and ensuring compliance with the law.

The main difference between the state and federal courts is the type of cases they handle. Federal courts can only hear cases that the United States Constitution or federal laws allow. State courts, on the other hand, can handle many different types of cases, especially those related to state laws. However, federal and state courts interact at various times, and cases entirely based on state laws may be transferred to a federal court under the diversity jurisdiction. Diversity jurisdiction allows the federal courts to handle controversies between citizens of different states. For example, civil litigation may be brought to a federal court if both parties in the case are from different states and the amount in controversy is more than $75,000.

What Is a Federal Court?

In the United States, a federal court is any court established according to Article III of the U.S. Constitution and has jurisdiction to oversee cases involving federal law, constitutional matters, multi-state disputes, or bankruptcy.

What Are the Three Levels of The Federal Court System

The United States federal court system consists of the District Courts, which serve as the national trial courts; the Circuit Courts, which are the first appeal courts; and the Supreme Court, which is the final appeal court in the federation.

U.S. District Courts

The Federal District Courts are the trial courts of the federal system. There are 94 District Courts in the federation, and each of these courts is led by at least one District Judge appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a life term. The U.S. District Courts hear all categories of federal civil and criminal cases. They also handle subject-specific cases such as bankruptcy and tax-related cases.

Federal District Courts have Magistrate Judges appointed by a majority vote and serve for eight years. These judges handle criminal cases related to searches and arrest warrants. They also hold initial hearings, set bail, and decide motions. If someone loses a case in federal trial court, they can appeal to the Circuit Court.

U.S. Circuit Courts

The Circuit Courts are also known as the United States Courts of Appeals. There are 12 federal circuits in the federation, each led by multiple judges ranging from six to 29. Any case can be appealed to the Circuit Courts once the District Court has decided. However, some issues may be appealed to the Circuit Court before the District Court makes a final decision. This type of appeal is known as interlocutory appeal.

An appeal to Circuit Courts is first heard by a panel consisting of three judges. If the appeal is allowed, the court will schedule an oral argument where attorneys come before the court to make their arguments. Judges in the federal appellate courts determine whether the trial court's decision should be upheld. The United States Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over specific issues such as patents.

The United States Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the United States. It had the authority to decide appeals on cases brought before the federal court or cases handled by state courts involving federal law. Unlike the Circuit Court, the Supreme Court is not required to hear the appeal. Parties may file a writ of certiorari to the court, and the court will take briefs and conduct oral arguments. The Supreme Court consists of justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a life term.

Jurisdiction & Authority of Federal Courts

Article III of the U.S. Constitution creates the Supreme Court and allows Congress to set up lower federal courts. These courts are given the judicial power to hear cases at the national level. Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving federal law and the U.S. Constitution. This differs from state courts, which address cases related to the laws and constitutions of individual states.

Federal courts also have diverse jurisdiction. This jurisdiction gives federal courts the authority to hear disputes between individuals from different states. The federal court system begins with trials in the district courts. The further review of a federal court decision typically falls under appellate jurisdiction. As such, decisions made by a district court may be appealed to federal Circuit Courts and the Supreme Court.

Specialized Federal Courts

The federal court system comprises specialized courts with specific areas of law outside the standard three-tier system. Some of these specialized courts include:

• The United States Court of International Trade: These courts handle civil cases related to customs and international trade laws in the United States.
• U.S. Federal Court of Claims: These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over monetary claims against the U.S. government.
• U.S. Bankruptcy Courts:These courts are part of the district courts and have subject-specific jurisdiction over all bankruptcy cases in the country.

How Are Federal Judges Selected?

Federal judicial nominees are selected through the recommendation of Senators or members of the U.S. Congress who are in the same party as the President. While there are no constitutional-based specific qualification requirements for becoming a federal judge, the U.S. Congress and the Department of Justice typically set forth criteria for recommending an individual as a federal judge nominee.

Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate with the help of the Senate's Judiciary Committee. After confirmation, the appointment is usually for a lifetime. However, if the Senate is in recess, the President can make a temporary appointment for a federal judge to serve until the Senate returns to session.

How Federal Court Cases Progress

Federal court cases are first heard in the District Court. The case is heard by a jury or a judge at the District Court. In a jury trial, jurors review the exhibits, evidence, and testimonies before deciding. In a nonjury trial, the judge hears the case and decides what laws to apply in making a final decision. A losing party in a federal trial court can appeal the case to the Circuit Court to review the proceedings, laws applied, and decisions made in their case.

An appeal to Circuit Courts is first heard by a panel consisting of three judges. If the appeal is allowed, the court will schedule an oral argument where attorneys come before the court to make their arguments. There is no jury, witnesses, or new evidence at the court of appeals. A litigant who loses a case at the Circuit Court may file a petition for a writ of certiorari requesting the Supreme Court to review the case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Courts