Original jurisdiction is the power of a court to hear a case first, before any appeals. Article III grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in two categories: cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers, and disputes between states. These rare cases bypass lower courts entirely.
The Supreme Court exercises original jurisdiction sparingly and reluctantly. States use it occasionally to sue each other over water rights, boundary disputes, or environmental damage. Ambassadors rarely invoke it. The Court has stated many times that "our original jurisdiction should be invoked sparingly." This preference reflects the Court's heavy appellate docket and the view that lower courts should handle most disputes, even between states.
The Eleventh Amendment limited original jurisdiction cases involving states. The Court cannot hear suits against states in original jurisdiction unless the states are plaintiffs, two or more states are in dispute, or the United States sues a state. Most cases reaching the Supreme Court arrive through appellate jurisdiction rather than original jurisdiction.
Original jurisdiction lets states resolve disputes without first fighting in lower courts. A water rights case between two states can skip straight to the Supreme Court, faster and less expensive.
People often confuse original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means the first court to hear a case; appellate jurisdiction means reviewing lower court decisions.
Original jurisdiction lets states resolve disputes without first fighting in lower courts. A water rights case between two states can skip straight to the Supreme Court, faster and less expensive.
People often confuse original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means the first court to hear a case; appellate jurisdiction means reviewing lower court decisions.