Third Circuit Court of Appeals: An Overview of Its Role, Jurisdiction, and Cases
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is one of the thirteen federal appellate courts in the United States. It has jurisdiction over appeals from federal district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands. This article provides an overview of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, its role, jurisdiction, and some of its notable cases.
What is the Third Circuit Court of Appeals?
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is a federal court that has jurisdiction over appeals from federal district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands. It is one of the thirteen federal appellate courts in the United States and was established in 1891. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has 14 authorized judgeships.
Jurisdiction of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over appeals from federal district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands. It also has jurisdiction over appeals from certain administrative agencies, such as the Merit Systems Protection Board and the National Labor Relations Board, within its geographic area.
Cases Heard by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals hears a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal appeals. Some of its notable cases include:
1. United States v. Microsoft Corp.
In 2001, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that Microsoft had violated antitrust laws by using its dominance in the market to stifle competition. The ruling paved the way for the eventual settlement of the case.
2. United States v. Booker
In 2005, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals declared the federal sentencing guidelines to be unconstitutional. The ruling was later upheld by the Supreme Court in Booker v. United States.
3. Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC v. Hepps
In 1986, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals established the “Hepps test,” which places the burden of proof on the plaintiff in a defamation case to prove that a statement is false, rather than on the defendant to prove that it is true.
4. Fields v. City of Philadelphia
In 2017, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the city of Philadelphia’s practice of requiring employers to inquire about job applicants’ salary histories violated the Equal Pay Act.
How Appeals are Heard by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
Appeals are heard by a panel of three judges, who review the briefs and record from the lower court, and may also hear oral arguments from the parties. The judges then issue a written opinion, which may include a dissenting opinion if one or more judges disagrees with the majority’s ruling.
Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judges
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is currently made up of 14 active judges and 7 senior judges, who hear cases in three-judge panels. These judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate.
Third Circuit Court of Appeals
ECF ECF stands for Electronic Case Filing, and it refers to the system used by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (as well as many other federal courts) for electronic filing of court documents. This system allows attorneys and litigants to file documents and access court records online.
Third Circuit States
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over federal district courts in four states (Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands) as well as over federal agencies located in those states.
NJ Third Circuit Court of Appeals
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from federal district courts in New Jersey, and therefore it is sometimes referred to as the “NJ Third Circuit Court of Appeals.”
3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Liberal or Conservative
The political leanings of the judges on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (or any other federal court) are not easily characterized as “liberal” or “conservative.” Judges are expected to apply the law impartially, and their decisions are often based on legal precedent rather than political ideology.
Third Circuit Local Rules
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has a set of local rules that govern various aspects of practice before the court, such as the format of briefs, the timing of filings, and the procedures for requesting oral argument.
Third Circuit Court of Appeals Address
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and its address is: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 601 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Third Circuit Calendar
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals maintains a calendar of its oral arguments, which are open to the public. The calendar is available on the court’s website and includes the dates, times, and locations of upcoming arguments.
Conclusion
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals plays an important role in the federal judicial system, hearing appeals from federal district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands. Its decisions have had significant impacts on a wide range of legal issues, from antitrust law to defamation law to employment law. Understanding the role and jurisdiction of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is an important part of understanding the federal judicial system.
FAQs
- How many judges are on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals?
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has 14 authorized judgeships.
- What is the geographic area covered by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals?
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over appeals from federal district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Virgin Islands.
- What is the “Hepps test”?
The “Hepps test” is a legal test established by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1986, which places the burden of proof on the plaintiff in a defamation case to prove that a statement is false, rather than on the defendant to prove that it is true.
- Can I appeal a decision made by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals?
If you disagree with a decision made by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of the United States. However, the Supreme Court only hears a small fraction of the cases that are appealed to it each year.
- How are the judges on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals selected?
The judges on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. They serve for life or until they choose to retire.
