What is the role of the Federal Appeals Courts?

The Federal Appeals Courts, also known as Circuit Courts, serve the crucial role of reviewing decisions made by lower courts within their jurisdiction, which primarily includes federal district courts. One of their main functions is indeed to lower the number of cases that are escalated to the Supreme Court. By resolving many legal issues at the appellate level, these courts help ensure that only significant or unresolved questions of law make it to the highest court in the land. This system allows the Supreme Court to focus on cases that have broader implications or involve substantial constitutional questions.

This filtered approach reduces the Supreme Court's caseload, allowing for more comprehensive and thorough examination of the most critical issues while maintaining a structured legal system. As a result, the Federal Appeals Courts play a vital part in the judicial hierarchy, contributing to both the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall federal court system.