What is the name of trial courts in the federal system?

In the federal court system, the trial courts are known as District Courts. These courts serve as the foundational level of the judicial hierarchy and are where most federal cases begin. They have original jurisdiction, meaning they are the first to hear cases, including civil and criminal matters.

District Courts play a crucial role in the legal process, as they are responsible for the evaluation of evidence, jury trials (in criminal cases), and the application of federal law. They are spread across the United States, with at least one district court in each state and additional courts for larger states based on population and caseload.

In contrast, the other options represent different functions within the court system: Supreme Courts are the highest courts that generally handle appeals and have the final authority; Circuit Courts are often associated with the intermediate appellate level in some states; and Appellate Courts focus on reviewing decisions made by lower courts rather than conducting trials. The clear distinction is that the District Courts are the only relevant courts in this context that actually conduct trials.