The district courts have original jurisdiction over a variety of federal cases, including:
- Civil cases involving federal laws or the U.S. Constitution where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000
- Criminal cases involving federal offenses
- Bankruptcy cases
- Admiralty and maritime cases
- Cases against foreign states
District courts essentially serve as the trial courts of the federal judicial system. Their jurisdiction covers a wide range of federal matters, both civil and criminal. Their decisions can be appealed to the federal courts of appeals.