The Circuit Court of Appeals is a federal court that hears appeals from decisions made by lower courts, such as District Courts. It is part of the U.S. federal court system and is divided into 13 circuits, each covering a specific geographic area. These courts review cases to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that legal procedures were followed. Judges in the Circuit Court of Appeals do not conduct trials; instead, they evaluate written briefs and hear oral arguments from attorneys. Their decisions can set important legal precedents and can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States in certain cases.