U.S. Courts of Appeals Directory

Each of the 94 U.S. judicial districts is also part of one of the twelve judicial circuits, as determined by Congress. These circuits have a U.S. Court of Appeals to hear appeals from the district courts. An appeals court also exists for the Federal District only. This court will hear cases that are exclusively federal jurisdiction, such as patent and trademark laws, and from those special courts such as the Court of International Trade and the Court of Federal Claims.

Sometimes, because these courts are each assigned to a specific circuit, they are referred to as “circuit courts.” However, these should never be confused with state-level circuit courts that typically serve as an intermediate appellate court.

Bankruptcy Appellate Panels

In addition to the U.S. Courts of Appeals, some circuits have established what are known as ‘Bankruptcy Appellate Panels.’ These panels consist of three judges that are responsible for hearing appeals from the district bankruptcy courts. These panels were established under the Bankruptcy Reform Acts of 1978 and 1994. In addition to serving on the appellate panel, the judges serve in the district bankruptcy courts.

When someone wants to appeal the orders of a bankruptcy judge, they may do so in the corresponding district court or the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel if it exists. Further appeal options allow a party to take their case to their circuit appeals court as well. Currently, the only circuits which have established these panels are the 1st, 6th, 8th, 9th and 10th.

Reasons You May Need to Find Your Circuit Court

If you have filed a federal case in your district or bankruptcy court and need to appeal the decision, you will need to determine how to do so in your corresponding federal circuit court or with the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel if it exists. You may also want to conduct research or learn about past cases similar to one you may be party to. Past rulings and opinions by the judges are frequently posted on the court’s website for public review. Electronic dockets and forms are also available, as well as direct contact information for the corresponding Circuit Court Clerk.

Following is a listing of the circuit courts and existing Bankruptcy Appellate Panels:

First Circuit Court of Appeals

First Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

Second Circuit Court of Appeals

Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Sixth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Eighth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals

Tenth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals

District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal Circuit Court of Appeals