How many circuit courts are there in the US?

The correct number of circuit courts in the United States is 13. This count includes the 12 regional circuit courts of appeal and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which is unique in that it has nationwide jurisdiction over specific types of cases, such as patent law and claims against the federal government.

Each of the 12 regional circuits serves different geographical areas of the United States and hears appeals from district courts within those regions. The structure of 13 circuit courts allows the federal judiciary to manage appellate cases efficiently, ensuring that cases are reviewed and adjudicated in a relatively timely manner.

Understanding this framework is essential, as it delineates the appellate structure of the federal judicial system and helps clarify the process by which cases are appealed from lower courts to higher courts. Additionally, recognizing the distinct roles of the regional circuits and the specialized federal circuit reinforces knowledge about how the US judicial system operates effectively across various legal issues and jurisdictions.