In what year were courts of appeals created?

The courts of appeals were established in 1891 as part of the Judiciary Act of that year. This act was significant because it aimed to reduce the caseload of the Supreme Court by creating intermediate appellate courts. The main purpose of these courts was to handle appeals from the district courts, allowing for a more efficient judicial system where cases could be reviewed without overburdening the highest court in the land.

By creating courts of appeals, the U.S. judicial system was able to ensure that more cases received thorough consideration and that the Supreme Court could focus on more significant legal questions and constitutional matters. This structure remains in place today, providing a crucial step in the federal judicial hierarchy that helps maintain the balance and integrity of the judicial process.