Circuit

In the federal judicial system, a circuit is a geographic area served by a U.S. Court of Appeals. The federal appellate system includes regional circuits and the Federal Circuit, which has nationwide jurisdiction over specified types of cases. A circuit’s court reviews decisions from designated lower courts and agencies.

Example: The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from federal district courts in several Midwestern states, including Minnesota.

Common misconception: A circuit is a single trial court. In federal usage, a circuit usually refers to an appellate jurisdiction and the court that serves it.

Sources: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/about-us-courts-appeals; https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/federal-courts-public