Supreme Court fight over Kavanaugh got lots of attention, but most federal court action is elsewhere
By John R. Lott | Fox News
Republicans are ecstatic and Democrats are livid about Brett Kavanaugh’s Senate confirmation as a Supreme Court justice. But while the Supreme Court is important, many Americans tend to exaggerate its powers.
Democrats still firmly control the nation’s district courts and circuit courts of appeals, where virtually all federal judicial decisions are made.
Even if Republicans keep control of the Senate in the Nov. 6 midterm elections, the balance of power on these courts isn't going to change in the next two years.
The Supreme Court grants oral arguments to about 80 cases a year. The nation’s highest court decides another 50 cases without hearing oral arguments.
By contrast, the circuit courts of appeals handled 51,832 cases in the 12-month period ending March 31.
Consequently, the circuit courts – not the Supreme Court – have the final word on 99.75 percent of all cases. The lower-level district courts handled 363,000 cases.
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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/supreme-court-fight-over-kavanaugh-got-lots-of-attention-but-most-federal-court-action-is-elsewhere
