Structure of the federal courts

Question 1

The three tiers of federal courts

Answer 1

• US District Courts -> US Courts of Appeals -> US Supreme Court

Question 2

What does Article III, section 1 say?

Answer 2

• “The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish”

Question 3

How many members are there on the Supreme court?

Answer 3

• Nine members. One chief justice and eight associate judges.
• The number is fixed by Congress and has remained unchanged since 1869

Question 4

How long do members serve on the Supreme court?

Answer 4

• Once appointed and confirmed, they hold office for life ‘during good behavior’. Members of the court can only be removed through impeachment.