On September 24, 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789, creating a federal court system and the office of Attorney General. The act established district and circuit courts and defined the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It also created the position of Attorney General to represent the United States in legal matters. The law provided the basic framework for federal judicial operations that continues, with modifications, today. It was a critical step in implementing the new Constitution and balancing federal and state legal authority.
