The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is the nation’s largest federal appellate court, with 29 authorized judgeships serving the nine western states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington - along with the territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Established in 1891 and headquartered in San Francisco, the court oversees one of the most diverse and dynamic jurisdictions in the country.
Streaming today
No court sessions are scheduled for today. Check the calendar for upcoming oral arguments.
Published Opinions
An Opinion is a published decision the court issues when a case helps explain, clarify, or develop the law. Because it’s published, it becomes binding law that future Ninth Circuit cases must follow.
Memorandum Dispositions
A Memorandum Disposition is a shorter, unpublished decision used for cases that don’t change or clarify the law. It isn’t binding precedent, though it may be cited in limited situations.
Filing
Learn how to file electronically – or if you have another option.
Rules
Consult the court’s federal and local rules.
Resources
Information for representing yourself or a client before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
About the Court
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is the federal court of appeals for the largest circuit in the United States.
Court locations, judges, history, and more
Mediation
People with civil cases may be able to resolve your dispute through mediation.
Learn about the Ninth Circuit Mediation Program
