The **Federal Judiciary of the United States** is the judicial branch of the federal government, established by Article III of the Constitution to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure constitutional compliance.[1][4][9] Comprising the Supreme Court, 13 Courts of Appeals, 94 District Courts, and specialized tribunals like the Court of Federal Claims and Federal Circuit (handling patents, trade, and contracts), it adjudicates civil and criminal cases involving federal law, interstate disputes, and constitutional issues.[1][2][3] **Historically**, the judiciary traces to 1789, when Congress created the Supreme Court with six justices—a number fixed at nine since 1869.[1][4] Lower courts evolved as Congress expanded them based on workload, adding appeals circuits and district courts. Lifetime-appointed Article III judges (by presidential nomination and Senate confirmation) ensure independence, while Article I tribunals, like administrative law judges, support executive functions with fixed terms.[1][3][6] **Key achievements** include landmark precedents shaping business and technology: Supreme Court rulings on antitrust (e.g., monopolies), intellectual property (patents via Federal Circuit), and digital rights (e.g., privacy in tech surveillance cases).[3] The judiciary pioneered efficiencies like the 1922 Judicial Conference for policymaking and the Federal Judicial Center (1967) for research and tech-driven training.[1][3][5] **Currently**, it operates robustly under the Judicial Conference, Administrative Office (managing budgets, IT, and facilities), and councils for circuit oversight.[1] With rising caseloads in cybercrime, data privacy, and e-commerce disputes, it leverages technology for virtual hearings and electronic filing, vital for business-tech sectors.[3] The system defends rights like due process and jury trials, compelling evidence via subpoenas.[2][4] Notably, its independence from state courts and executive influence fosters impartiality, though vacancies and backlogs challenge efficiency