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Members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia draft Article III of what will become the US Constitution. It establishes the judicial branch of government but provides only a rough outline of its organization.
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The first Congress passes the Federal Judiciary Act, which establishes a federal court system. It also sets specific guidelines for the operation of the Supreme Court, which will consist of one chief justice and five associate justices and preside over regional circuit courts.
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The US Supreme Court holds its first public session in the Royal Exchange on Broad Street in New York City
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As a response to national expansion and an ever-growing caseload in district courts in the West, Congress adds an additional seat to the Supreme Court, increasing the number of justices to seven. The seventh justice will preside over the courts within a newly created Seventh Circuit.
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In the case Fletcher v. Peck, the Supreme Court rules that the Georgia legislature has violated the Constitution. For the first time, the Court declares a state law to be unconstitutional.
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Again, as a response to growing caseloads in district courts throughout the burgeoning nation, Congress establishes two new circuits and approves the addition of two new justices on the Supreme Court to preside over them.
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Congress passes the Circuit Judges Act, setting the number of Supreme Court seats at nine. It also authorizes the appointment of circuit judges for each of the nine court circuits, which will reduce the Court's circuit duties and allow the justices to focus on the Supreme Court's own cases.
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To create a more efficient federal judiciary, Congress votes to abolish the US circuit courts and transfer their jurisdiction to district courts.
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The Supreme Court justices recommend the Judges' Bill to Congress for approval. Congress agrees to give the Court greater authority in determining which cases it will hear by eliminating direct appeals from district courts except in cases involving constitutional principles.
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In response to Chief Justice Earl Warren's recommendation, Congress establishes a Federal Judicial Center to help Supreme Court justices better manage their growing caseload. The Center will conduct judicial research and organize educational programs for judges and court personnel.
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In an effort to further streamline the appeals process and to relieve growing pressure on the Supreme Court, Congress establishes a national court of appeals defined by its jurisdiction rather than by geography. This US Court of Appeals will screen appeal petitions and decide cases before they reach the Supreme Court.