The federal court system is divided into three main levels: district courts, circuit courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court. Nationwide there are 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts, and one Supreme Court (“U.S. Department of Justice – U.S. Attorney's Office”). During the early days of the Federal Convention of 1787, the delegates all agreed on a plan for government that would include the national judiciary (“History of the Federal Judiciary”). Article III, of the Constitution, is the shortest article that establishes the institution of government. Although the article is very short, it shows that the judiciary must resolve different types of cases (including those in which the United States is a party to the implementation of laws) as arguments of citizens of two or more states. (Magleby 379) The first type of federal court is district courts, and every state has at least one federal district court (“federal courts”). District courts are the courts of first instance in the federal court system. Each district court has at least one U.S. district judge appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for life. District courts handle both civil and criminal trials (“U.S. Department of Justice – U.S. Attorney’s Office”). An example of a civil lawsuit is if a person sues the government or a government agent because they have violated the rights granted to them by the Constitution. Criminal prosecution is where you break a federal law and get arrested (“The Judicial Learning Center”). According to the People's Government, in 2009 there were more than 275,000 civil cases and more than 75,000 criminal cases. District court judges are... middle of paper... n are done. (Magleby 387-90) Works Cited "Article III, Constitution of the United States." History of the federal judiciary. Np, nd Web. March 3, 2014. “Federal Courts.” United States Courts. Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, n.d. Web. 03 March 2014. “Introduction to the Federal Court System.” The United States Department of Justice - United States Attorney's Office. Np, nd Web. 03 March 2014. “Federal Court Levels.” The Judicial Learning Center. Np, nd Web. March 3, 2014. Magleby, David B. “The Judiciary.” Government of the People. 2011 ed. Boston: Pearson, 2011. 378-90. Press.