{"id":369046,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/legal-system\/us-federal-court-system.html"},"modified":"2026-08-18T10:11:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:11:47","slug":"us-federal-court-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/us-federal-court-system.html","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Federal Court System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">U.S. Federal Court System<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 18, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>The federal court system has multiple levels, including up to the United States Supreme Court.<\/li>\n<li>Federal courts derive their authority from the <span data-term-id=\"59535748\">United States Constitution<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Very few federal civil and <span data-term-id=\"59535772\">criminal cases<\/span> proceed through all levels of the court system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This article provides an overview of how federal courts operate. It describes the different court structures and their roles, starting with the federal <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span>, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you are involved with the federal court system, contact a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation and appeals attorney<\/a>\u00a0to safeguard your interests and protect your rights.<\/p>\n<h2>Functions of the Branches of the <span data-term-id=\"59535766\">U.S. Government<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"59535766\">U.S. government<\/span>\u00a0has three branches, which include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The legislative branch:<\/strong> The U.S. Congress, which includes the U.S. Senate and U.S. <span data-term-id=\"59535769\">House of Representatives<\/span>, enacts <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal laws<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The <span data-term-id=\"59535777\">executive branch<\/span>: <\/strong>Headed by the President of the United States, this branch enforces these laws.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The <span data-term-id=\"59535737\">judicial branch<\/span>:<\/strong> The court system looks into the constitutionality of these laws and resolves controversies relating to their\u00a0applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each of these branches works apart\u00a0from the others. Each branch is also divided into multiple levels of government. This article will focus on the <span data-term-id=\"59535737\">judicial branch<\/span> and levels of the court structure.<\/p>\n<h2>The Structure of the Federal Court System<\/h2>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"59535767\">U.S. federal court<\/span> system has multiple levels, from the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">District Courts<\/span> to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Each of these judicial systems has its roles and functions, which are detailed below:<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"59535733\">District Courts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United States <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">District courts<\/span> are where most cases stemming from <span data-term-id=\"59535759\">federal statutes<\/span> begin. <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">District courts<\/span> serve as the general <span data-term-id=\"59535734\">trial courts<\/span> in the federal court system. Across the United States, there are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lb5.uscourts.gov\/CivicsEducation\/FederalJudiciary\/Federal%20Judiciary_Maps%20of%20Federal%20Circuits%20and%20District%20Courts.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">94 federal judicial districts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Each of these districts has its own <span data-term-id=\"59535744\">U.S. <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59535733\">District Courts<\/span> that handle broad types of cases, including both <span data-term-id=\"59535762\">civil cases<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59535772\">criminal cases<\/span>. Every district also has a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy\/bankruptcy-tools-resources\/state-bankruptcy-courts.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59535747\">bankruptcy court<\/span><\/a> that works as a unit of the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span>. Depending on the size of the state, there may be\u00a0multiple <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district courts<\/span> or just one\u00a0for the whole state.<\/p>\n<h3>Court of Appeals<\/h3>\n<p>Congress established 13 federal <span data-term-id=\"59535741\">appellate courts<\/span>, known as the <span data-term-id=\"59535742\">United States Court of Appeals<\/span>. The 94 federal judicial districts are grouped into 12 <span data-term-id=\"59535758\">regional circuits<\/span>, including the <span data-term-id=\"59535761\">District of Columbia <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59535738\">circuit<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59535738\"> courts<\/span>. Each of these groups has a U.S. Court of Appeals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The court of appeals reviews decisions of the lower courts within their geographic boundary.\u00a0For instance, if a party loses their case in a federal <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span>, they can file an appeal with a federal court of appeals.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The court of appeals will review if the procedures and the legal proceedings are fair.\u00a0It also looks at the proper application of court rules and laws.\u00a0In addition, there is one Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.<\/p>\n<p>This court has jurisdiction to hear all types of appeals in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscourts.gov\/about-federal-courts\/court-role-and-structure#:~:text=the%20Supreme%20Court.-,Courts%20of%20Appeals,International%20Trade%20and%20the%20U.S.%20Court%20of%20Federal%20Claims.,-Learn%20more%20about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">specialized cases<\/a>\u00a0nationwide. This includes cases related to patent laws and those decided by the U.S. <span data-term-id=\"59535746\">Court of Federal Claims<\/span> and the U.S. <span data-term-id=\"59535745\">Court of International Trade<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Supreme Court<\/h3>\n<p>At the top of the federal court system is the <span data-term-id=\"59535739\">Supreme Court of the United States<\/span>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/article3.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Article III of the <span data-term-id=\"59535743\">U.S. Constitution<\/span><\/a>\u00a0established the federal judiciary. It states that there is only one supreme court at the federal level, which is the country\u2019s highest court. Currently, the Supreme Court has eight <span data-term-id=\"59535753\">associate justices<\/span> and one <span data-term-id=\"59535755\">chief justice of the United States<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>The Supreme Court has <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/article3\/annotation20.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"59535750\">original jurisdiction<\/span><\/a> over certain cases.\u00a0For example, it can decide cases involving ambassadors or suits between different states. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/the-u-s-supreme-court-overview.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59535756\">U.S. Supreme Court<\/span><\/a> has appellate jurisdiction on other cases involving constitutional or <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal law<\/span> issues.<\/p>\n<h3>Article I Courts<\/h3>\n<p>Article I Courts are created by the legislature to help support the laws they have written. These courts include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Courts in U.S. territories (such as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam):<\/strong> Since these places are not part of the U.S., they are not governed by the Constitution. However, they are under Congress\u2019s control, so Congress created a set of courts to handle their affairs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specialized courts (such as United States tax courts and bankruptcy courts):<\/strong> These are courts created by Congress specifically to hear cases about the bankruptcy or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes.html\">tax code<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Article I and Article III courts are subject to very different rules. Article III provides constitutional protections to judges. <span data-term-id=\"59535773\">Article III judges<\/span> are generally appointed by the president and serve for life.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, Article I judges are hired and fired according to the way Congress designed the courts. Sometimes they are appointed by a member of Congress, or voted onto the bench by Congressional Committee. Judges will then serve for a period of years, at which point they must be rehired before continuing for another term.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is the Supremacy Clause?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/article6.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Article VI of the <span data-term-id=\"59535743\">U.S. Constitution<\/span><\/a>\u00a0contains the supremacy clause. This clause establishes that <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal law<\/span> is the\u00a0supreme law of the land.\u00a0The\u00a0impact on the <span data-term-id=\"59535757\">state court system<\/span> is that judges in every state must follow the <span data-term-id=\"59535743\">U.S. Constitution<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal laws<\/span> over state laws.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if the <span data-term-id=\"59535740\">federal government<\/span> enacts a law that preserves and protects Native American tribes and their land in the United States, and a state passes a law that land owned by Native Americans is now state property, the <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal law<\/span> would preempt the state law under the supremacy clause.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Lawsuit Progresses in Federal Court<\/h2>\n<p>You may have a claim or dispute that fits federal court <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/federal-vs-state-courts-key-differences.html\">better than a state court<\/a>. You\u2019ll want to know how your case might progress through the <span data-term-id=\"59535770\">federal judicial system<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>While each case varies, below is a simple overview of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-kinds-of-cases-can-federal-courts-decide.html\">federal litigation<\/a> process:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The plaintiff files an initial complaint with the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span> that has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/federal-or-state-court-subject-matter-jurisdiction.html\">jurisdiction over the subject matter<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/personal-jurisdiction-how-to-determine-where-a-person-can-be.html\">parties to the case<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>A <span data-term-id=\"59535735\">federal judge<\/span> or jury hears the case, and the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span> issues its decision.<\/li>\n<li>The losing party files an appeal in the federal court of appeals within the same circuit as the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span> that originally heard the case. This <span data-term-id=\"59535763\">intermediate <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59535741\">appellate court<\/span> reviews the case.<\/li>\n<li>If the party still has grounds for a further appeal, they may submit their case to the Supreme Court clerk\u2019s office to be considered for the highest level of review.<\/li>\n<li>If the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/how-does-the-u-s-supreme-court-decide-whether-to-hear-a-case.html\">Supreme Court selects<\/a> the case, it will review briefs and hear oral arguments from each party. The Court will issue a final opinion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Most federal cases do not reach the final stage of Supreme Court review. The Supreme Court generally chooses to hear cases that involve a <span data-term-id=\"59535760\">federal question<\/span> of law and could affect similar cases around the country. Many lawsuits end in a verdict or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/tips-on-negotiating.html\">settlement <\/a>at the lower levels. It\u2019s even possible that a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-motion-to-dismiss.html\">lawsuit may be dismissed<\/a> before it goes to trial in the <span data-term-id=\"59535733\">district court<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Advocacy in Federal Court<\/h2>\n<p>The complexities of <span data-term-id=\"59535736\">federal laws<\/span> and legal structure can be overwhelming. When facing these challenges, the legal advice of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation and appeals lawyers<\/a>\u00a0can help. A legal professional can clairfy the legal process and advocate on your behalf.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You want an attorney to represent you in court or during appeals\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex court cases (such as contract disputes, real estate, family law, personal injury, or employment) generally need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The court process for many cases, such as intellectual property or probate, can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAACCzz9CV0ZsvAbzx\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><section\n        class=\"fl-google-preferred-card fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-gap10 fl-text-center fl-mt30 fl-mb30\"\n        data-testid=\"google-preferred-card\"\n>\n    <h2\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-title fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-title\"\n    >\n        Did FindLaw Help You Understand This Legal Issue?\n    <\/h2>\n    <p\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-paragraph fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-paragraph\"\n    >\n        Make It a Preferred Google Search Source\n    <\/p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button secondary fl-google-preferred-card-button google-pref-link fl-mt20\" aria-disabled=\"false\" data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-link\" aria-label=\"Google Preferred\">\n    <span\n            class=\"fl-button-start-icon fl-flex fl-items-center\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-icon\"\n    >\n      <svg\n              width=\"18\"\n              height=\"18\"\n              viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\"\n              fill=\"none\"\n              xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n              aria-hidden=\"true\"\n      >\n        <path\n                d=\"M17.64 9.2c0-.637-.057-1.251-.164-1.84H9v3.481h4.844c-.209 1.125-.843 2.078-1.796 2.716v2.259h2.908c1.702-1.567 2.684-3.875 2.684-6.615z\"\n                fill=\"#4285F4\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 18c2.43 0 4.467-.806 5.956-2.184l-2.908-2.259c-.806.54-1.837.86-3.048.86-2.344 0-4.328-1.584-5.036-3.711H.957v2.332A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 9 18z\"\n                fill=\"#34A853\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M3.964 10.706A5.41 5.41 0 0 1 3.682 9c0-.593.102-1.17.282-1.706V4.962H.957A8.996 8.996 0 0 0 0 9c0 1.452.348 2.827.957 4.038l3.007-2.332z\"\n                fill=\"#FBBC05\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 3.58c1.321 0 2.508.454 3.44 1.345l2.582-2.58C13.463.891 11.426 0 9 0A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 .957 4.962L3.964 7.294C4.672 5.163 6.656 3.58 9 3.58z\"\n                fill=\"#EA4335\"\n        ><\/path>\n      <\/svg>\n    <\/span>\n        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Add to Google<\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court.html\">\n                        What To Expect When Going to Court\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/civil-court-basics.html\">\n                        Civil Court Basics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Federal courts handle all immigration; bankruptcy; copyright; patent; and federal criminal cases. Learn about the Court of Appeals, the three branches of the government, the Supremacy Clause, and much more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369021,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned","External Links"]},"categories":[2803],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369046","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-litigation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369046"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369046\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":407383,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369046\/revisions\/407383"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369046"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369046"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}