Learn About the Federal Judiciary

Federal Court System

• Federal Court Basics
• About Federal Courts
• About the U.S. Courts of Appeals
• Court Role and Structure
• Federal Courts & the Public
• Federal Courts and What They Do (pdf)
• Comparing Federal & State Courts

U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights

• Interactive U.S. Constitution (National Constitution Center)
• Bill of Rights (National Archives)

Federal Judges & Judgeships

• Biographical Directory of Article III Federal Judges, 1789-present
• FAQs about Federal Judges & Judgeships
• Pathways to the Bench: These videos present the personal, character-building challenges faced by individual judges that prepared them to serve on the bench.
• Civics Break: Bolch Institute of Duke Law School. This non-partisan course examines the rule of law, how courts fit into the American democratic system, what judges do, and how courts and judges affect our lives. Available for use at home, community groups, or in the workplace.

Civics Break! Learn more about the course and download the Civics Break Facilitator's Guide.

• Spotlight on the 4th Circuit: A Closer Look at Five Historic Decisions
• The Appeals Process
• History of the Fourth Circuit
• Judges of the Fourth Circuit
• Judges' Portraits of the Fourth Circuit
• Listen to Oral Arguments
• Map of Court Locations in Fourth Circuit (pdf)
• Read Fourth Circuit Opinions
• Visitor's Guide to the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse & Annex