5 - Missoula, Billings, Butte, Helena, and Great Falls - 9 judges

Each state has 1 of 94 district courts

Lower federal courts are divided on cases over which they have jurisdiction or authority over

9th Circuit San Francisco, CA

If someone is convicted of a crime and they thought it wasn't fair they can take the case here

Each court has a panel of judges

The judges can uphold the decisions of the lower court and the verdict stands or they can be retired

Washington, DC

1,000s case are submitted but only about 100 can be tried

If the court declines to hear a case the court of appeals decision is final

The losing side of the Court of Appeals can appeal to this court