Table of Contents
The process by which cases reach the Supreme Court involves several steps. Understanding this process helps clarify how the highest court in the United States selects and reviews cases.
Initial Case Filing
Cases typically begin in lower courts, such as district or appellate courts. Parties involved in a legal dispute file a case and seek a ruling. If they are dissatisfied with the decision, they may pursue further review.
Request for Supreme Court Review
To bring a case to the Supreme Court, parties file a petition called a “petition for a writ of certiorari.” This petition asks the Court to review the case. The Court receives thousands of petitions each year but selects only a small number for review.
Criteria for Selection
The Supreme Court considers several factors when choosing cases, including:
- The importance of the legal issue
- Conflicting decisions in lower courts
- Legal questions of national significance
- Whether the case can resolve inconsistencies
Review and Decision
If the Court grants certiorari, it schedules oral arguments and reviews the case. After deliberation, the Justices issue a ruling, which becomes the Court’s decision on the matter.