Explain how the U.S. court system works and the route cases might take to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The state court structure parallels the federal court structure, with state district courts at the lowest level, followed by state appellate (review) courts, and finally by a state supreme court. State supreme court decisions may be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court where a question of federal law is involved or where the judicial power of the United States extends as defined by the U.S. Constitution. In all other instances, the state supreme court decision is final. The judicial power of the United States is vested “in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish” according to Article III of the Constitution. The system of “inferior” (i.e., lower) courts includes the U.S. District Courts, the federal trial courts in each state. These courts hear cases that fall under federal jurisdiction, usually either cases between citizens of different states or cases relevant to the Constitution or federal law. Decisions of these lower federal courts may be appealed to 1 of 12 U.S. Courts of Appeals, corresponding to the geographical region or “circuit” in which the case arose (see Figure 2.1). In turn, these courts’ decisions may be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court--not as a matter of right, but only when the Supreme Court feels that the case warrants a decision at the highest level. Generally, the Supreme Court will grant certiorari (review) when two or more circuit courts have reached different conclusions on the same point of law or when a major question of constitutional interpretation is involved. If the Supreme Court denies a petition for a writ of certiorari, then the lower court’s decision is binding.