The United States district courts are the trial courts of the federal
court system. Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution,
the district courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories
of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters. There
are 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one district
in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Three territories
of the United States -- the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern
Mariana Islands -- have district courts that hear federal cases,
including bankruptcy cases.
There are two special trial courts that have nationwide
jurisdiction over certain types of cases. The Court of International
Trade addresses cases involving international trade and customs
issues. The United States Court of Federal Claims has jurisdiction
over most claims for money damages against the United States, disputes
over federal contracts, unlawful "takings" of private
property by the federal government, and a variety of other claims
against the United States.
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