The Evarts Act: A Landmark Legislation in U.S. Judicial History
Definition & Meaning
The Evarts Act, enacted in 1891, is a federal law that established the circuit courts of appeals in the United States, which are now known as the U.S. courts of appeals. Named after Senator William M. Evarts, who championed its passage, this Act aimed to create a more efficient appellate court system. It is also referred to as the Judiciary Act of 1891.
Under the Evarts Act, Congress created nine courts, each consisting of one district judge and two circuit judges, to handle appeals from lower courts. Today, the U.S. has 13 courts of appeals, which review most decisions made by lower courts. The Supreme Court can also review cases from these courts through a process called certiorari, which allows it to examine important legal issues.
Legal Use & context
The Evarts Act is significant in the legal field as it lays the foundation for the appellate court system in the United States. It is primarily relevant in civil and criminal law contexts, where parties seek to challenge lower court decisions. Users can often manage aspects of their appeals through legal forms and templates provided by platforms like US Legal Forms, which are created by licensed attorneys.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A defendant in a criminal case may appeal their conviction to the U.S. Court of Appeals after a trial in a lower court, seeking to overturn the decision based on legal errors.
Example 2: A business may appeal a ruling from a lower court regarding a contract dispute, asking the appellate court to review the case for any misinterpretations of law. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing the establishment of the circuit courts of appeals is the Evarts Act of 1891. Additional relevant laws include the Judiciary Act of 1789 and subsequent amendments that have shaped the federal court system.