In the three-part federal court system established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, which court handles most federal crimes and disputes between citizens of different states?

• A. Supreme Court
• B. District Courts
• C. Circuit Courts
• D. Court of Claims

Answer: (C)

In the federal system created by the Judiciary Act of 1789, the district courts are the trial courts with original jurisdiction, so they handle most federal crimes and civil disputes, including those involving citizens of different states (diversity disputes). Circuit Courts, while part of the three-tier system, served primarily as appellate bodies reviewing district court decisions and had limited original jurisdiction; they did not handle the bulk of federal criminal cases or most diversity cases. The Supreme Court is the highest appellate authority, and the Court of Claims deals with specific claims against the U.S. government. Therefore, the district courts are the correct venue for most federal crimes and diversity disputes.