Which list shows the correct order of the federal court levels from lowest to highest?

• A. Supreme Court → U.S. District Courts → U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• B. U.S. District Courts → U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal → Supreme Court
• C. U.S. District Courts → Supreme Court → U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• D. U.S. District Courts → U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal → Supreme Court

Answer: (D)

Think of the federal court system as three levels: trial courts, appellate courts, and the highest court. In federal cases, the trial occurs in a U.S. District Court, where evidence is presented and rulings are made. If a party believes there was a legal error, the case goes up to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for a review of the district court’s decision. The circuit focuses on potential errors of law and procedure and generally doesn’t rehash the facts or hear new evidence. If further review is sought, a party can petition the Supreme Court, which selects a limited number of cases to decide and provides nationwide guidance on federal questions. This sequence—District Courts, then Circuit Court of Appeals, then Supreme Court—reflects the actual flow of federal cases.