This can be pretty complicated, but in general, there are two situations when a civil case can be filed in federal court. First, if the parties to the suit are from different states and the "amount in controversy" exceeds 75,000, normally the case can be heard in federal court. Second, if the lawsuit concerns a federal law like a civil rights claim, it can be heard in federal court. Federal courts also hear criminal cases that deal with interstate commerce like racketering and certain drug offenses.
Concurrent jurisdiction
US district courts have trial jurisdiction (aka original jurisdiction) over federal court cases.
State law crimes are heard in state court. Federal law crimes are heard in federal court. Both systems adjudicate different types of cases. In some cases the courts have concurrent jurisdiction and the authorities will conference to determine which court will take jurisdiction.
No. If the suit is over a certain dollar amount, it can be heard in federal court under diversity jurisdiction. If it involves federal law, it can also be heard in federal court under federal question jurisdiction. Unless it is a matter of exclusive federal jurisdiction, the state court maintains concurrent jurisdiction.
Federal trial courts almost always have original jurisdiction in the federal system.
Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.
Original jurisdiction
Only in special cases, otherwise it mainly deals with jurisdiction with in the court's circuit. Yes, it does have nationwide jurisdiction. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit hears appeals from the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Federal Claims regardless of where the trial was held. Its jurisdiction is defined in terms of subject matter as opposed to territory the way the jurisdiction of the other twelve circuit courts of appeals is defined. In that sense, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has no territorial limitations on its jurisdiction.
appeals and jurisdiction
No, they are completely different court systems. One has jurisdiction over state matters, the other over federal matters.
If the case involves a question of federal law, or if the federal court has diversity jurisdiction (parties reside in different states and minimum amount in dispute.)
Both federal and state courts have jurisdiction over criminal cases.