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The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country. It has specific rules about the types of cases it can hear and decide. Understanding its jurisdiction helps clarify which legal matters reach this court and how they are handled.
Types of Cases the Supreme Court Handles
The Supreme Court primarily hears cases that involve significant legal questions or constitutional issues. These cases often impact the interpretation of laws and the Constitution itself.
Cases can reach the Supreme Court through appeals or original jurisdiction. Most cases are appeals from lower courts, but some cases are heard directly by the Supreme Court under specific circumstances.
Original vs. Appellate Jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction means the Supreme Court is the first to hear a case. This typically involves disputes between states or cases involving foreign diplomats. Appellate jurisdiction involves reviewing decisions from lower courts.
The Court exercises appellate jurisdiction in most cases, where it reviews decisions to ensure the correct application of law and constitutional principles.
Criteria for Supreme Court Cases
The Court selects cases based on their importance, legal questions, and conflicts in lower courts. It often chooses cases that have broad implications for the law or society.
- Cases involving constitutional rights
- Disputes between states
- Cases with conflicting decisions in lower courts
- Cases of national significance