FAQs - About the Court

There are twelve regional circuits in the federal judiciary system, including the District of Columbia Circuit, and each one has a United States court of appeals. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears appeals from the district courts in the states of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. There are nine federal district courts located within the Fourth Circuit. The court also hears appeals from federal administrative agencies, such as the Benefits Review Board and the Board of Immigration Appeals. The court is headquartered and normally hears oral arguments in Richmond, Virginia. The court also hears arguments at various law schools within the circuit on a periodic basis.

No. The Court of Appeals of Virginia is a state appellate court for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This court is a federal appellate court.
The Court of Appeals of Virginia can be reached at (804) 371-8428.
The address is 109 North 8th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

Fourth Circuit Judges and their biographies

Historical Listing of Judges By Commission Date

Directions and other travel information

All visitors will pass through security before entering the courthouse or annex building and will be directed through metal detectors. All items will be screened in x-ray machines. Weapons are prohibited in any federal court facility. The court has an Electronic Device Policy which should be reviewed prior to your arrival to minimize inconvenience. Visitors are prohibited from bringing electronic devices into the courthouse or annex building. During court week only, lawyers and their staff may possess electronic devices, other than those that serve only as cameras or audio recorders. If you have any questions, please contact the clerk's office.

About the Court

About Federal Courts (uscourts.gov)

Inside the Federal Courts (Federal Judicial Center)