## What Is the Appeals Court? The term “Appeals Court” most often refers to the **United States courts of appeals**, the intermediate appellate courts within the federal judiciary system of the United States[1][2][3]. These courts serve as the second tier in the federal judiciary, sitting above the district (trial) courts and below the U.S. Supreme Court[1][3]. Their primary function is to review decisions from the federal district courts and certain federal administrative agencies, focusing on whether the law was applied correctly and the proceedings were fair—not on re-examining facts or hearing new evidence[2][8]. Because the U.S. Supreme Court accepts only a tiny fraction of cases, the courts of appeals effectively serve as the final decision-maker in the vast majority of federal appeals[1]. ## History and Structure The U.S. courts of appeals were established by the Judiciary Act of 1891, initially to relieve the Supreme Court’s burden of mandatory appeals[4]. Today, there are **13 circuits**: 11 regional, one for the District of Columbia, and the specialized Federal Circuit, which handles nationwide cases involving patents, government contracts, and other specific matters[1][3]. The courts have evolved with the nation’s growth, adding circuits as needed, and now have **179 authorized judgeships**[1][4]. Judges are nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and enjoy lifetime tenure[1][3]. ## Key Achievements and Influence The courts of appeals are among the most influential in the country, setting legal precedents for millions of Americans across their geographic regions[1]. Their decisions shape federal law, business regulations, and technology policy, especially in areas like intellectual property, antitrust, and civil rights. The Federal Circuit, for example, is pivotal in patent law, directly impacting innovation and technology sectors[1][3]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Today, the courts of appeals handle thousands of cases annually
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An appeals court blocks deploying National Guard troops in Illinois amid protests, underscoring the clash between state sovereignty and federal authority.