Three-Judge District Courts (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Aug. 20, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12746 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Joanna R. Lampe |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Constitution vests federal judicial power in “one
supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress
may from time to time ordain and establish.” Congress
establishes federal courts via legislation and possesses
substantial authority to structure courts and set judicial
procedures. One way in which Congress regulates judicial
proceedings is by providing for consideration of certain
cases by a three-judge district court. This In Focus provides
an overview of three-judge district courts, then identifies
statutes that authorize the use of such courts. It concludes
with considerations for Congress related to three-judge
district courts.
The federal judiciary is divided into three main levels: triallevel district courts, intermediate courts of appeals (also
called circuit courts), and the Supreme Court. Most district
court cases proceed before a single judge. In some cases, a
jury is also present to make findings of fact. The federal
appeals courts generally consider cases in three-judge
panels. At the Supreme Court, most matters are presented to
the full nine-Justice Court.
