As part of our Policy Unpacked Series, the below infographic coincides with our plain language document about the U.S. Court System. This infographic offers a concise and accessible overview of the U.S. court system. It explains the foundational role of the judicial branch and the U.S. Constitution in shaping the federal judiciary, including the establishment of the Supreme Court and lower courts. The graphic clearly distinguishes between federal and state court systems, outlining the functions of trial, appellate, and supreme courts at each level. It also highlights the pathways through which cases reach the U.S. Supreme Court and explains how the Court processes cases via the merits and shadow dockets. Overall, the infographic underscores the importance of understanding how the court system operates in upholding justice and fairness.
