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

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit is a federal appellate court that hears appeals from district courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 Third Circuit is located at: James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

For more details about the Third Circuit, visit the official website: www.ca3.uscourts.gov

Geographic Area Covered

The Third Circuit has jurisdiction over federal appeals from:

  • District of Delaware
  • District of New Jersey
  • Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania
  • District Court of the Virgin Islands

Number of Cases Handled

Each year, the Third Circuit hears approximately 3,500–4,500 appeals, covering a wide range of legal issues. In the most recent statistical report, the court received 3,729 new appeals and terminated 3,955 cases, leaving a pending caseload of 3,000+ cases.


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

Appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third 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: Third Circuit Rules

Types of Appeals the Third Circuit Handles

The Third 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.
  • Antitrust & Business Law: Disputes over competition and regulatory compliance.
  • Immigration Appeals: Challenges to immigration court rulings.
  • Intellectual Property & Copyright: Disputes regarding patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Third Circuit Rules

The Third 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: Third Circuit Rules & Procedures

Contact Brownstone Law for Third Circuit Appeals

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

Contact Us:

  • Phone: (215) 274-0369
  • Email: robert@brownstonelaw.com
  • Website: https://www.brownstonelaw.com/federal-appeals/pennsylvania/
  • Office: 51 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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