District Courts

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.

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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