GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING. 1  Classmates: Chiadika Biringa (left), 20, studied theatre arts while Tekena Elkanah (right), 20 was a technical student. The four traveled to Aluu to collect a debt. 2  Close: Lloyd Toku (left), 19, was a civil engineering student and Ugonna Obuzor (right), 18, was a geology student.
The federal court system has three main levels: U.S. District Court, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Each level of court serves a different legal function for both civil and criminal cases.
Constitutional Issues. The federal courts are authorized by Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Article III provides that: The judical power of the United States is vested in the federal court system. The highest court in the federal court system is the Supreme Court. Congress may create other inferior courts that are below the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges hold lifetime appointments, unless removed from office.