The Ninth Circuit is one of the thirteen federal appellate courts in the United States. It covers a large geographic area, including the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii, as well as the Pacific Islands. The court hears appeals from federal district courts within its jurisdiction and is known for its significant influence on legal precedents. Established in 1891, the Ninth Circuit is the largest circuit court in terms of population and area. It consists of 29 active judges and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The court's decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, making it a crucial part of the federal judiciary system.