In ____________ courts, no jurors are employed and no witnesses are heard.

The correct answer points to the characteristic nature of appellate courts, which includes both state intermediate appellate courts and federal circuit courts. In these courts, the primary function is to review decisions made by lower courts rather than to conduct trials. This means that they do not hear witnesses or employ jurors, as their role is focused on examining the record of the trial court proceedings, the applicable law, and the arguments presented in written briefs by the parties involved.

In state intermediate appellate courts, the judges examine whether proper procedures were followed and if legal standards were correctly applied in previous trials. Similarly, federal circuit courts operate under the same fundamental principle, assessing the correctness of lower court rulings without the involvement of a jury or testimony from witnesses.

The other choices represent courts that typically conduct trials with jurors and witnesses, which highlights the distinction between trial courts and appellate courts. This understanding is essential for comprehending the structures and functions of different levels within the court system.