United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit |
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| Location | John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse |
| Appeals from |
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| Established | June 16, 1891 |
| Judges | 6 |
| Circuit Justice | Stephen Breyer |
| Chief Judge | Jeffrey R. Howard |
The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is one of 13 important appeals courts in the United States. These courts are part of the country's federal court system. When people talk about this court, they often use a shorter name: "1st Cir."
Contents
What the First Circuit Court Does
The Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has the legal power, called jurisdiction, to look at cases again. It reviews decisions made by less powerful courts in its area, called the First Circuit. These less powerful courts are known as United States district courts. They are where federal trials happen for the first time.
If someone disagrees with a decision made by one of these district courts, they can ask the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to review it. This process is called an appeal.
These are the United States District Courts that are part of the First Circuit:
- District of Maine
- District of Massachusetts
- District of New Hampshire
- District of Puerto Rico
- District of Rhode Island
Where the Court is Located
The First Circuit Court is located in the John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse. This building is in Boston, Massachusetts.
The First Circuit is the smallest of the thirteen United States courts of appeals.
Sometimes, a retired judge from the United States Supreme Court, like Justice David Souter, might come to help. They are called "visiting judges" and share their experience.
When the Court Meets
The Court usually meets, or "sits," for one week each month. This happens eleven months out of the year. Court meetings are held in the mornings, usually from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EST). For one month in the summer, either July or August, the Court takes a break and does not meet.
Here is the Court's usual schedule:
- Most months: The Court meets for one week, starting on the first Monday.
- March and November: The Court meets for an extra week in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- September: The Court starts on the Wednesday after Labor Day. It meets for three days that week and then for five days the next week.
History of the Court
The United States Congress created the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on March 3, 1891. When it started, Congress allowed two judges to work on the Court. These positions are called judgeships.
Later, on January 28, 1915, Congress passed a law. This law added the District of Puerto Rico to the First Circuit. It meant that the First Circuit Court would hear appeals from Puerto Rico's district court.
Over the years, Congress approved more full-time judges for the Court. This table shows how the number of judgeships grew:
| Date Approved | New Judgeships | Total Judgeships |
|---|---|---|
| March 3, 1891 | 2 | 2 |
| January 21, 1905 | 1 | 3 |
| October 20, 1978 | 1 | 4 |
| July 10, 1984 | 2 | 6 |
Related pages
- Federal judiciary of the United States (the entire federal court system)
See also
In Spanish: Corte de Apelaciones de Estados Unidos para el Primer Circuito para niños
