Description

which created the courts of appeals ?

# The Establishment of Courts of Appeals: A Historical Overview

Courts of appeals play a crucial role in the judicial system by filtering cases before they reach the Supreme Court, helping to streamline the legal process and ensure that only the most critical cases receive the highest level of judicial scrutiny. Let’s delve into the historical context and the factors that led to their creation.

## The Need for Courts of Appeals

As the number of legal disputes and appeals grew, the workload of the Supreme Court became overwhelming. To address this issue, Congress enacted the Judiciary Act of 1891, which officially established the courts of appeals. This legislation aimed to create a more efficient judicial system by distributing the appellate workload, ensuring that the Supreme Court could focus on the most significant cases.

The primary objective was to filter and manage appeals more effectively, allowing the Supreme Court to address only the most important legal questions and decisions. This division of labor helps ensure that the legal system remains efficient and that justice is delivered promptly.

## Evolution and Structure

### United States Courts of Appeals

In the United States, the courts of appeals are organized into 12 numbered circuits, each covering specific geographic areas, plus the District of Columbia Circuit and the Federal Circuit. These courts handle appeals from the U.S. district courts within their jurisdiction and hear cases involving specialized areas of law. The Evarts Act of 1891, later expanded by the Judiciary Act of 1925 and subsequent statutes, further defined the jurisdiction and role of these courts.

### Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Appeal of England and Wales was established in 1875 and is divided into two permanent divisions: the Civil Division, which handles family cases and a variety of civil appeals, and the Criminal Division, which addresses appeals related to criminal convictions and sentences. This structured division allows for a more specialized approach to handling different types of legal cases.

### Court of Appeal in France

In France, the court system historically had different tribunals for various types of cases. Before 1958, appeals from different types of prosecutions were handled by distinct tribunals. This system helped to categorize and streamline the legal processes, ensuring that each type of case was handled by the most appropriate court.

## International Perspectives

The concept of courts of appeals is not limited to the United States, England, and France. Various countries have established courts of appeals to manage their legal systems more efficiently. For instance, the Jamaica Court of Appeal has provisions for appeals directly from certain bodies, such as Courts Martials and regulatory bodies, further illustrating the adaptability and importance of these appellate structures.

## Conclusion

The establishment of courts of appeals was a response to the growing complexity and volume of legal cases, necessitating a more structured and efficient judicial system. By delegating appellate jurisdiction to specialized courts, Congress, the Supreme Court, and other judicial bodies aimed to create a more streamlined and effective legal process. The courts of appeals continue to play a vital role in ensuring that justice is served promptly and that the Supreme Court can focus on the most significant legal matters.

Understanding the history and structure of courts of appeals provides valuable insight into the evolution of judicial systems and the importance of a balanced and efficient legal framework.