Courts in Alton, IL

District courts in Alton are the general trial courts of the United States federal court system. Both civil and criminal cases are filed in the district court, which is a court of law, equity and admiralty. The district courts exercise original jurisdiction over- that is, they are empowered to conduct trials in the following types of cases: civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws and treaties of the United States; certain civil actions between citizens of different states; civil actions within the admiralty or maritime jurisdiction of the United States; criminal prosecutions brought by the United States; civil actions in which the United States is a party, and many other types of cases and controversies.