Define: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in many legal systems, including the United States. Its primary role is to interpret and apply the law, including the Constitution, and to resolve disputes arising under federal law. The Supreme Court typically hears cases on appeal from lower courts, although it also has original jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as disputes between states. The decisions of the Supreme Court are final and binding, and they establish legal precedent that lower courts must follow in similar cases. The Supreme Court is composed of justices who are appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This independence ensures the Court’s impartiality and the protection of the rule of law.

America’s highest court, which has the final power to decide cases involving the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, certain legal areas set forth in the Constitution (called federal questions) and federal laws. It can also make final decisions in certain lawsuits between parties in different states.

The U.S. Supreme Court has nine justices — one of whom is the Chief Justice — who are appointed for life by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Most states also have a supreme court, which is the final arbiter of the state’s constitution and state laws. However, in several states — most notably New York and Maryland, where it’s called the “Court of Appeals,” and Massachusetts, where it’s called the “Supreme Judicial Court” — the highest state court uses a different name.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.