Understanding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is a federal appellate court that hears appeals from district courts in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. It is one of 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals and plays a crucial role in reviewing lower court decisions for legal errors.

Location

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is located at: John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210

For more details about the First Circuit, visit the official website: www.ca1.uscourts.gov

Number of Cases Handled

Each year, the First Circuit reviews approximately 1,500–2,000 appeals across various areas of federal law. These cases set legal precedents that impact the jurisdictions within the circuit.

For historical case data and records, visit:

Appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

The appeal process includes:

  1. Filing a Notice of Appeal: A party dissatisfied with a district court decision must file within 30 days of the ruling (or 60 days if the U.S. government is a party).
  2. Briefing & Record Submission: The appellant submits a legal brief outlining errors in the lower court’s decision, followed by a response from the appellee.
  3. Oral Arguments: In select cases, the court may schedule oral arguments where attorneys present their case before a panel of judges.
  4. Court Decision: A panel of judges reviews the case and issues a ruling, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case for further proceedings.

For official rules and procedures, visit: First Circuit Rules

Types of Appeals the First Circuit Handles

The First Circuit reviews cases involving:

  • Constitutional Law: Challenges to federal or state laws.
  • Criminal Appeals: Sentencing disputes and due process violations.
  • Civil Rights: Cases involving discrimination and civil liberties.
  • Administrative Law: Reviews of federal agency decisions.
  • Immigration Appeals: Challenges to immigration court rulings.
  • Business & Commercial Law: Contract disputes and regulatory compliance.

First Circuit Rules

The First Circuit follows specific procedural rules, including:

  • Appeals must be filed within strict deadlines (typically 30 days).
  • Briefs must comply with length and formatting requirements as outlined in court rules.
  • Electronic filing is mandatory for most cases through the CM/ECF system.


For a full list of rules, visit: First Circuit Rules & Procedures

Contact Brownstone Law for First Circuit Appeals

Contact Us:

  • Phone: (617) 963-0898
  • Email: robert@brownstonelaw.com
  • Website: https://www.brownstonelaw.com/federal-appeals/massachusetts/
  • Office: 71 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02110


For more information about the First Circuit, visit: U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit