What type of jurisdiction do US District Courts primarily hold?

US District Courts primarily hold original jurisdiction, which means they have the authority to hear cases for the first time. This includes a wide range of cases such as civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, and federal cases involving constitutional and statutory issues. The original jurisdiction of the District Courts allows them to act as the trial courts of the federal judiciary, where evidence is presented, witnesses are heard, and a verdict is reached.

Original jurisdiction is distinct from other types of jurisdiction. For instance, appellate jurisdiction refers to the authority of higher courts to review decisions made by lower courts; since District Courts are the first level in the federal system, they do not review decisions made by another court. Concurrent jurisdiction involves cases that can be heard in both federal and state courts, whereas exclusive jurisdiction refers to cases that can only be tried in a specific court. Each of these terms delineates different roles within the justice system, but the primary function of US District Courts remains firmly in original jurisdiction.