U.S. Courts of Appeals

The U.S. Courts of Appeals are intermediate federal courts that hear cases appealed from lower district courts. They review decisions to ensure the law was applied correctly, often focusing on legal principles and procedures rather than retrial of evidence. There are 13 appellate courts, each covering specific geographic areas. Their rulings can significantly influence law, but they can be appealed to the Supreme Court, which chooses only a small number of cases to hear. The Supreme Court's decisions can set binding precedents that shape future interpretations of the law across the country.