How Can We Help You?

Practice Areas

You be the Judge

Ever wish you could be the judge and decide the verdict?

Click here to hear facts derived from actual cases and make your ruling!

4th Circuit Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Decisions from federal district courts in Virginia may be appealed to the Fourth Circuit court of appeals. The Fourth Circuit hears appeals from District Courts in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia). Unlike the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Fourth Court of Appeals will hear appeals in personal injury cases.

Also unlike the state court system, there is an automatic right of appeal to the Fourth Circuit. This means that any verdict can be appealed and will be considered by the Fourth Circuit.

Supreme Court of the United States
A party who has lost an appeal to the Fourth Circuit may request review by the Supreme Court of the United States. With few exceptions, civil appeals must be made by a “Petition for A Writ of Certiorari.” Appeals are not automatic and are rarely granted. It is very rare for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear appeals of personal injury matters. The U.S. Supreme Court will “grant cert” if it chooses to hear the case. If cert is not granted, the decision of the court of appeals is final.