How many federal appellate courts are there in the United States?

The United States has a total of thirteen federal appellate courts, which are known as Courts of Appeals. This number includes eleven regional courts, which handle appeals from federal district courts within their geographical jurisdiction, and two additional courts: the District of Columbia Circuit and the Federal Circuit. The Federal Circuit has a specialized jurisdiction, focusing primarily on patent law and certain other specific areas.

This structure allows for a comprehensive system of appellate review within the federal judiciary, providing an essential check on the decisions made by lower courts and ensuring uniformity in the interpretation of federal laws across different regions. Each of these thirteen appellate courts has the authority to make binding decisions that serve as precedent within its jurisdiction, thereby shaping the application of the law in various contexts.