Writing for the US federal courts
This chapter outlines standards and statutes governing psychiatric reports for the federal courts. Federal courts adjudicate disputes arising under the United States constitution, federal statutes and regulations, and the federal common law at three different levels: (1) federal district courts for each state or federal territory, grouped under twelve sets of appellate courts called circuits; (2) circuit courts providing appellate review of district court decisions; and (3) the US Supreme Court providing appellate review of circuit court decisions. The US Supreme Court also has limited “original jurisdiction,” for example, in cases brought by one state against another. There is a right to appeal any final decision rendered by the district court to the circuit court. Appellate cases heard by the Supreme Court are discretionary. If four justices agree to hear the case the Court issues a “writ of certiorari,” beginning a process of written and oral argument.
