Which act established the federal district courts and courts of appeal?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 is the legislation responsible for establishing the federal district courts and courts of appeal in the United States. This act was critical in forming the federal court system as outlined in the Constitution. It instituted a framework for the federal judiciary, creating a structure that included lower federal courts under the Supreme Court, thereby enabling federal jurisdiction to be exercised effectively across various states.

The Judiciary Act of 1789 not only set the number of Supreme Court Justices but also delineated the jurisdiction of the newly created federal courts, allowing them to hear cases arising under federal law and involving diversity of citizenship. This act has played a foundational role in the development of the American legal system, ensuring that there was a formal mechanism for addressing legal disputes at the federal level.

In contrast, the Judicial Review Act, while related to the power of courts to interpret laws, was never a formal piece of legislation and instead arose from Supreme Court decisions, particularly Marbury v. Madison. The Civil Rights Act pertains to civil rights and discrimination and does not establish judicial systems. The Constitutional Amendments Act is not a recognized title and would refer more to the process of amending the Constitution rather than establishing judicial structures.