United States Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (in short, the Ninth Circuit or 9th Circuit) is a federal court in the United States that has appellate jurisdiction over the district courts in the following districts: Alaska, Arizona, Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Eastern, and Western Districts of Washington, and Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It is the largest of the thirteen courts of appeals, with 29 active judgeships. The court's principal seat is in San Francisco, California, with other divisions located in Pasadena, Portland, and Seattle.

History

The Ninth Circuit was established in 1891 when the number of circuits in the United States was increased to nine. Its jurisdiction has changed over time, reflecting the growth and changes in the U.S. population and the creation of new states in the western part of the country.

Jurisdiction and Procedure

The Ninth Circuit hears appeals from decisions of federal district courts within its jurisdiction. It also hears appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies and some federal regulatory commissions. Panels of three judges typically hear appeals, but the court can also sit en banc, which means a larger number of judges (usually 11) will reconsider a panel's decision.

Notable Cases

The Ninth Circuit has been at the forefront of many significant legal issues in the United States, including environmental law, immigration, and intellectual property. Some of its decisions have reached the United States Supreme Court, which has the authority to review and overturn Ninth Circuit decisions.

Criticism and Controversy

The Ninth Circuit has often been a source of controversy, partly due to its perceived liberal leanings. It has had a higher rate of its decisions overturned by the Supreme Court compared to other circuits. However, its defenders argue that the court's large caseload and the complexity of the issues it handles contribute to this statistic.

Current Composition

The court is composed of 29 active judges and a variable number of senior judges who have retired from full-time service but continue to hear cases on a part-time basis. The President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints these judges for life terms.

External Links

• Official website of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit