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The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure govern procedure in the United States Courts of Appeals. Originally adopted in 1967 by the United States Supreme Court, the rules are updated annually in March, with the changes taking effect in December of each year.

There are thirteen United States Courts of Appeals, including 11 Circuit Courts, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The 11 Circuits are each comprised of a grouping of Federal District Courts across several states.

In addition to these rules, procedure in the Courts of Appeals is governed by applicable statutes (particularly Title 28 of the United States Code) and by local rules adopted by each individual court. Many of these local rules incorporate Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure by reference.

The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure are organized into the following Titles:

• Title I – Applicability of Rules
• Title II – Appeal from a Judgment or Order of a District Court
• Title III – Appeals from the United States Tax Court
• Title IV – Review or Enforcement of an Order of an Administrative Agency, Board, Commission, or Officer
• Title V – Extraordinary Writs
• Title VI – Habeas Corpus; Proceedings In Forma Pauperis
• Title VII – General Provisions

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