DISTRICT COURT
A designation of an inferior state court that exer-
cises general jurisdiction that it has been granted
by the constitution or statute which created it. A
U.S. judicial tribunal with original jurisdiction to
try cases or controversies that fall within its lim-
ited jurisdiction.
A state district might, for example, deter-
mine civil actions between state residents based
upon contract violations or tortious conduct
that occurred within the state.
Federal district courts are located in places
designated by federal law, hearing cases in at
least one place in every state.Most federal cases,
whether civil actions or criminal prosecutions
for violations of federal law, commence in dis-
trict court. Cases arising under the Constitution,
federal law, or treaty, or cases between citizens of
different states, must also involve an interest
worth more than $75,000 before the district
court can exercise its jurisdiction.
The federal district courts also have original
and exclusive jurisdiction of BANKRUPTCY cases,
and ADMIRALTY, maritime, and prize cases,
which determine rights in ships and cargo cap-
tured at sea. State courts are powerless to hear
these kinds of controversies.
A party can appeal a decision made in dis-
trict court in the Court of Appeal.
CROSS-REFERENCES
