Differentiate between the lowest and the middle tier of the federal court system.

What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary. On the lowest tier of the federal court system are the U.S. district courts, or federal trial courts-the courts in which cases involving federal laws begin. The cases in these courts are decided by a judge or a jury. There is at least one federal district court in every state, and there is one in the District of Columbia.On the middle tier of the federal court system are the U.S. courts of appeals. Courts of appeals, or appellate courts, do not hear evidence or testimony. Rather, an appellate court reviews the transcript of the trial court's proceedings, other records relating to the case, and attorneys' arguments as to why the trial court's decision should or should not stand. In contrast to a trial court, where normally a single judge presides, an appellate court consists of a panel of three or more judges. The task of the appellate court is to determine whether the trial court erred in applying the law to the facts and issues involved in a particular case. There are thirteen federal courts of appeals in the United States. The courts of appeals for twelve of the circuits, including the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, hear appeals from the U.S. district courts located within their respective judicial circuits. Decisions made by federal administrative agencies may be reviewed by either a district court or the court of appeals, depending on the agency. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has national jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as those concerning patent law and some claims against the national (federal) government. The decisions of the federal appellate courts may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. If a decision is not appealed, or if the high court declines to review the case, the appellate court's decision is final.