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

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is a federal appellate court that hears appeals from district courts in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. As one of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals, it plays a crucial role in reviewing lower court decisions for legal errors and shaping legal precedent within its jurisdiction.

Location

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is located at: Lewis F. Powell Jr. U.S. Courthouse
 1100 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219

For more details about the Fourth Circuit, visit the official website: www.ca4.uscourts.gov

Geographic Area Covered

The Fourth Circuit has jurisdiction over federal appeals from:

  • District of Maryland
  • Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
  • District of South Carolina
  • Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia
  • Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia

Number of Cases Handled

Each year, the Fourth Circuit hears approximately 4,500–5,500 appeals, covering a broad range of legal issues. In the most recent statistical report, the court received 4,890 new appeals and terminated 5,021 cases, leaving a pending caseload of approximately 3,400 cases.

For detailed case statistics, visit: Fourth Circuit Reports & Statistics

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

The appeal process includes:

  1. Filing a Notice of Appeal: A party must file within 30 days of a district court decision (or 60 days if the U.S. government is involved).
  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: Fourth Circuit Rules

Types of Appeals the Fourth Circuit Handles

The Fourth 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.
  • Employment Law: Appeals related to workplace disputes and labor regulations.
  • Immigration Appeals: Challenges to immigration court rulings.
  • Intellectual Property & Copyright: Disputes regarding patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Fourth Circuit Rules

The Fourth 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: Fourth Circuit Rules & Procedures

Contact Brownstone Law for Fourth Circuit Appeals

Handling an appeal in the Fourth Circuit requires experienced appellate attorneys. Brownstone Law specializes in complex federal appeals, ensuring clients receive top-tier legal representation.

Contact Us:

  • Phone: (804) 461-3900
  • Email: robert@brownstonelaw.com
  • Website: https://www.brownstonelaw.com/federal-appeals/virginia/
  • Office: 2104 W Laburnum Ave #215, Richmond, VA 23227

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