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

The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit hears federal appeals from district courts in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. It is one of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals and plays a key role in reviewing lower court decisions for legal errors and shaping precedent within its jurisdiction.

Location

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is headquartered at: Byron White U.S. Courthouse
 1823 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80257 For more details about the Tenth Circuit, visit the official website: www.ca10.uscourts.gov

Geographic Area Covered

The Tenth Circuit has jurisdiction over federal appeals from:

  • District of Colorado
  • District of Kansas
  • District of New Mexico
  • Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma
  • District of Utah
  • District of Wyoming

Number of Cases Handled

The Tenth Circuit hears approximately 2,500–3,000 appeals annually, covering a wide range of legal issues. Its rulings establish binding precedent for federal courts within its jurisdiction. For detailed case statistics, visit: Tenth Circuit Reports & Statistics

Top Judges on the Tenth Circuit

The Tenth Circuit is presided over by distinguished federal judges, including:

  • Chief Judge Jerome A. Holmes
  • Judge Scott M. Matheson, Jr.
  • Judge Timothy M. Tymkovich
  • Judge Nancy L. Moritz
  • Judge Allison H. Eid

For a full list of judges, visit: Tenth Circuit Judges

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

The appeal process includes:

  • 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).
  • Briefing & Record Submission: The appellant submits a legal brief outlining errors in the lower court’s decision, followed by a response from the appellee.
  • Oral Arguments: In select cases, the court may schedule oral arguments where attorneys present their case before a panel of judges.
  • 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: Tenth Circuit Rules

Types of Appeals the Tenth Circuit Handles

The Tenth 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.
  • Environmental Law: Appeals related to federal regulations and environmental policies.
  • Immigration Appeals: Challenges to immigration court rulings.
  • Intellectual Property & Technology Law: Cases involving patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
  • Business & Commercial Law: Appeals concerning corporate disputes and financial regulations.

Tenth Circuit Rules

The Tenth 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: Tenth Circuit Rules & Procedures

Contact Brownstone Law for Tenth Circuit Appeals

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

Contact Us:

  • Phone: (303) 630-9863
  • Email: robert@brownstonelaw.com
  • Website: https://www.brownstonelaw.com/appellate-lawyer/colorado/
  • Office: 303 S Broadway #200, Denver, CO 80209

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