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The Supreme Court and the federal courts have jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases involving:

  1. cases arising under the constitution
  2. cases arising under laws and treaties made by the United States

According to Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has original (but not necessarily exclusive) jurisdiction over the following types of cases:

  1. cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers and consuls (US District Court)
  2. cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction (US District Court)
  3. cases where the United States is a party (US District Court)
  4. disputes between two or more states (Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction)
  5. cases between a state and citizens of another state** (US District Court, may name officeholder as defendant/respondent)
  6. cases between citizens of different states* (US District Court, amounts in excess of $75,000 only; otherwise state court of the person filing the case)
  7. cases between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants made by different states and between a state, or citizens thereof and foreign states citizens and subjects (US District Court)

The Eleventh Amendment revoked the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction over disputes "between a state and citizens of another state," due to the Court's decision in Chisholm v. Georgia,(1793), in which the Jay Court decided the states lacked sovereign immunity from being sued for debt acquired during the Revolutionary War. Congress and the states rightfully feared this could bankrupt the states, and quickly passed the Eleventh Amendment.

The Supreme Court later decided the Eleventh Amendment should be extended to include disputes between a state and its own citizens.

Amendment XI

"The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state."

Article I Courts and Tribunals (US Special Courts)

The Federal court system also has a number of specialty courts that exclusively hear a limited class of cases. Examples are:

  • US Bankruptcy Court
  • US Court of Federal Claims
  • US Tax Court

Article I courts and tribunals are those the created under Congress' authority in Article I of the Constitution and are part of the Legislative Branch, not part of the Judicial Branch.

Simplified Version

  1. The Constitution
  2. Federal Laws
  3. Treaties
  4. Laws Governing ships
  5. Ambassadors or public ministers
  6. U.S. government itself
  7. Two or more state governments
  8. Citizens of different states (diversity jurisdiction only for amounts over $75,000)
  9. A state or its citizen versus a foreign country or foreign citizen
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12y ago
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Wiki User

13y ago

Yes it does, but even some federal legal issues may be litigated in state court systems. For example, a litigant may bring a sexual harrassment claim under federal law in a state court or a federal court.

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12y ago

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal law or through diversity jurisdiction.

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13y ago

Original jurisdiction over crimes involving violation of federal law.

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Q: What jurisdiction do federal district courts have?
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Related questions

How do federal district courts and federal appeals courts?

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.


How do federal appeals courts and district courts differ?

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.


How do federal courts district court and federal appeals court?

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.


How do federal district courts and court of appeals differ?

Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.


What kind of jurisdiction does a federal district court have A federal Court of Appeals?

Federal District Courts have jurisdiction over all federal cases occurring/originating within their circuit. US Courts of Appeal have jurisdiction over all cases referred to them from the District Courts within their circuit.


Jurisdiction of the federal courts do not include civil cases?

Federal courts of general jurisdiction (US District Courts, etc.) handle both civil and criminal cases.


What jurisdiction does the district court have over federal court cases?

US district courts have trial jurisdiction (aka original jurisdiction) over federal court cases.


What are also known as Us district courts?

US District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the federal court system.


Courts that have the authority to be the first courts in which most federal cases are heard is known as?

Courts of original jurisdiction (trial courts). In the federal court system, cases of general jurisdiction are heard in US District Courts.


Which courts in the federal system have original jurisdiction within their region?

The 94 US District Courts.


Which federal courts are courts of original jurisdiction where most violations of federal criminal and civil law are first adjudicated?

The US District Courts


Do federal district courts have the right to listen to appeals?

No. Federal District Courts have jurisdiction to hear trials. Appeals must go to the appropriate appellate court.