This pioneering text presents the history of the federal courts since their establishment in 1789 and the changes that have occurred in the 200+ years since. The author examines the historical context from which the federal court system grew and explores the expansion of the court system in response to procedural, conceptual, and historical influences. The evolution of the different types of federal courts through time is of particular focus, along with the growth of the jurisdiction of the federal courts and the changes to the procedure of the Supreme Court over time.