Federal Court of Appeals Judges

Who appoints judges to the federal courts of appeals?

The federal court system has an intermediate level appellate court, which is called the court of appeals. The President of the United States appoints all federal judges, including judges for federal courts of appeals. However, the United States Senate has to confirm each appointment. Federal judges are appointed for life.

What is the procedure for creating new federal court of appeals judgeships?

The United States Congress has authority to establish additional court of appeals judgeships through legislation. The Judicial Conference of the United States, which was created by Congress, tracks the need for additional judges. The Judicial Conference is composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the chief judge of each judicial circuit, the chief judge of the Court of International Trade, and a federal district court judge from each regional judicial circuit. The Judicial Conference makes recommendations to Congress when new judgeships need to be created.

How many federal courts of appeals are there?

There are 13 judicial circuits; each circuit has a court of appeals. The number of judges in each circuit varies.

Are there specific qualifications for becoming a federal court of appeals judge?

The United States Constitution does not set out any specific qualifications for becoming a federal judge. Members of Congress often recommend potential nominees. The United States Department of Justice reviews a nominee's qualifications, using informal standards.

How is the chief judge of a federal court of appeals chosen?

The chief judge is selected on the basis of seniority. The most senior judge who is 64 years of age or younger and has served as a federal court of appeals judge for one year or longer assumes the position of chief judge. The maximum term of office for a chief judge is seven years.

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