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Federal Court of Appeals Judges

The federal court system has an intermediate level appellate court, which is called the court of appeals. The President of the United States appoints all federal judges, including federal court of appeals judges. However, the United States Senate has to confirm each appointment. Federal judges are appointed for life.

Restrictions on Judicial Campaign Speech

Each branch of the armed forces has its own judicial system. Each service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force) has a JAG, who is the senior legal officer of that branch of the armed forces. The JAG is charged with administering military justice and with providing legal advice, opinions, and assistance to those who serve in the military.

A Court's Authority to Resolve Disputes

The framers of the United States Constitution separated the functions of government among three separate branches of government--legislative (the Congress), executive (the President), and the judiciary (the courts). The goal was to provide a system of checks and balances among the three branches so that no one branch could become too strong. Each branch of government has certain powers, and these powers are limited by another branch.

Federal Administrative Law

Federal government agencies are generally established by law or executive order. For example, Congress has passed laws setting up such federal agencies as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of Homeland Security.

State Appellate Courts

Most states have an intermediate level appellate court, which is generally called the court of appeals. State courts of appeals have a panel of judges who review the trial court's decision. The number of judges on the panel varies. The court of appeals determines whether the trial judge followed proper procedure and correctly interpreted and applied the law to the facts of the case.