Which courts in the federal court system are classified as trial courts?

In the federal court system, district courts are classified as trial courts because they are the first level of court that hears most federal cases. In district courts, trials are conducted, evidence is presented, and witnesses testify. These courts have original jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal matters, allowing for the initial resolution of legal disputes.

District courts serve as the primary venue for the trial process within the federal system, where judges and juries evaluate the facts of a case and apply the law accordingly. This trial-level designation distinguishes them from other types of federal courts designed for specific functions, such as appellate courts that review decisions made by the district courts or the Supreme Court, which primarily deals with cases of significant constitutional or federal importance.