Article III of the U.S. Constitution provided for a supreme court, but otherwise left to Congress the structuring of the federal judiciary. In addition to establishing the federal courts, the Judiciary Act of 1789 provided for a rudimentary administrative apparatus by mandating the appointment of clerks and marshals for each of the federal judicial districts.

See also:

Landmark Legislation: Judiciary Act of 1789

Court Officers and Staff: Clerks of Court

Court Officers and Staff: U.S. Marshals