The District of Columbia Courts, the judicial branch of the District of Columbia government, comprise the DC Court of Appeals, the highest court of the District; the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, a trial court with general jurisdiction over virtually all local legal matters; and the Court System, which provides administrative support functions for both Courts. District of Columbia courts were created by Congress under Article I of the Constitution. The judges who serve on the courts are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the US Senate for fixed terms.