District Courts

See United States Courts.

Courts of the United States, each having territorial jurisdiction over a dtstrict, which may include a whole state or only part of it. Each of these courts is presided over by one judge, who must reside within the district. These courts have original jurisdiction over nil admiralty and maritime causes and all proceedings in bankruptcy, and over all penal and criminal matters cognizable under the laws of the United States, exclusive jurisdiction over which is not vested either in the supreme or circuit courts. Also inferior courts of reconi in California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas are also called "district courts." Their jurisdiction is for the most part similar to that of county courts, (q. v.)

Defined under District in Black's Law Dictionary.

Courts of the United States, each having territorial jurisdiction over a district, which may include a whole state or only part of it. Each of these courts is presided over by one judge, wlio must reside within the district. These courts have original jurisdiction over all admiralty and Iaritime causes and all proceedings in bankruptey, and over all penal and criminal matters cognizable under the laws of the United States, exclusive jurisdiction over which is not vested either in the supreme or circuit courts. Inferior courts of record in California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas are also called “district courts.” Their jurisdiction is for the most part similar to that of county courts, (q. v.)

There is one or more district in every State, for which a District Judge is appointed. These courts are the lowest of the United States courts, and have original jurisdiction of certain crimes and offences cognizable under the authority of the United States; of piracy, when no Circuit Court is held in the district; of suits for penalties and forfeitures incurred under United States laws; of suits brought by the United States or an officer thereof authorized to sue; of suits in equity to enforce internal revenue taxes; of suits for penalties or damages for frauds against the United States; of suits under postal laws; of all civil causes of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, and of seizures on land, or waters not subject to admiralty jurisdiction; of suits against conspirators, as for deprivation of " civil rights "; of suits to recover offices in certain cases, or for the removal of officers; of suits against national banks; and of proceedings under national bankruptcy laws; besides some other less common proceedings. 107. The Court of Claims consists of one chief justice and four judges, and holds one annual session at Washington. It has jurisdiction of all claims founded upon any law of

In American law. Courts held in each of the thirty-five districts into which the United States are divided, consisting of a single judge, and which act both as courts of common law 4ind also as courts of admiralty. 1 Kent's Com, 803—305, 363.

Vide Courts of the United States.