Supreme Court Cases: Certiorari, Appellate &Amp; Original Jurisdiction Explained
Most Supreme Court cases arrive via certiorari, a process where the justices vote (requiring a “rule of four”) to review a lower court decision. The Court considers factors like the case’s importance and potential impact on the law. Upon granting certiorari, the Court issues a writ of certiorari, inviting the parties to argue their case. Amicus curiae briefs, submitted by non-parties, provide additional perspectives and influence the Court’s decision-making. Appellate jurisdiction allows the Court to review lower court decisions, with amicus curiae briefs playing a role in these cases. Original jurisdiction, though rare, grants the Court exclusive authority over certain types of cases, again with amici curiae potentially influencing the outcome.
