United States Court of International Trade
Updated: Wikipedia source
The United States Court of International Trade (case citations: Ct. Int'l Trade; also abbreviated as CIT) is a United States federal court that adjudicates civil actions arising out of United States customs and international trade laws. Seated in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the court exercises broad jurisdiction over most trade-related matters and is permitted to hear and adjudicate cases originating anywhere in the United States as well as internationally. The court originated with the Customs Administrative Act of 1890, which established the Board of General Appraisers as a quasi-judicial entity of the United States Department of the Treasury to hear disputes primarily concerning tariffs and import duties. In 1926, Congress replaced the Board with the United States Customs Court, an administrative tribunal with greater judicial functions, which in 1930 was made independent of the Treasury Department. In 1956, the United States Customs Court was reconstituted by Congress as an Article III tribunal, giving it the status and privileges of a federal court. The Customs Courts Act of 1980 established the United States Court of International Trade in its current form, granting it jurisdiction over all trade matters and conferring its judges with life tenure. The court's subject matter jurisdiction is limited to particular questions in international trade and customs law, though it may also decide any civil action against the United States government, its officers, or its agencies arising out of any law connected to international trade. As an Article III tribunal, the United States Court of International Trade can decide controversies in both law and equity, and is thus allowed to grant relief in virtually all means available, including money judgments, writs of mandamus, and preliminary or permanent injunctions. Led by a chief judge, the CIT is composed of nine judges appointed by the United States president and confirmed by the United States Senate. No more than five judges can be of the same political party. Cases are typically heard by just one judge, although trials involving potential constitutional issues or broad legal implications for customs laws may be decided by a three-judge panel. The court operates on procedures and protocols drawn heavily from the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.