Appellate jurisdiction is the Supreme Court's power to review decisions from lower courts and appeals courts. Article III allows Congress to regulate this jurisdiction—the Court doesn't automatically hear every case.
The Supreme Court exercises appellate jurisdiction primarily through writs of certiorari, petitions asking justices to review lower court decisions. Justices need only four votes to grant certiorari. The Court rejects roughly 99 percent of the approximately 7,000 annual petitions. This selectivity lets justices focus on cases that resolve conflicts between circuit courts, address constitutional questions, or clarify federal law. Congress has adjusted appellate jurisdiction throughout history, sometimes expanding it and sometimes limiting it.
Unlike mandatory appeals the Court must hear, certiorari is discretionary. This gives justices control over their docket. Critics argue the Court should hear more civil rights and criminal cases. Supporters say selective review lets the Court focus on the most important legal questions and prevent case overload.
Appellate jurisdiction determines which cases can reach the nation's highest court. Without it, Supreme Court justices would be overwhelmed. With it, they can focus on constitutional questions that affect millions.
People often think the Supreme Court must hear cases that lower courts got wrong. In practice, the Court hears only cases it chooses—usually those involving constitutional disputes or circuit conflicts.
Appellate jurisdiction determines which cases can reach the nation's highest court. Without it, Supreme Court justices would be overwhelmed. With it, they can focus on constitutional questions that affect millions.
People often think the Supreme Court must hear cases that lower courts got wrong. In practice, the Court hears only cases it chooses—usually those involving constitutional disputes or circuit conflicts.