Simone Lawson
The US Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which has the power to interpret the Constitution and ensure the consistent application of federal law. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states, suits involving ambassadors, and other public ministers, as well as appellate jurisdiction in almost any other case involving a point of constitutional or federal law. The Court's decisions can have a profound impact on American society, influencing issues ranging from civil rights to economic regulations. The federal judiciary also includes federal district courts, which handle cases arising under federal statutes, the Constitution, or treaties, and lower federal courts established by Congress. Diversity jurisdiction allows plaintiffs from one state to file lawsuits in federal court when defendants are from another state, though criminal cases are exempt from this rule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cases | Suits between two or more states, cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers, cases to which the United States is a party, cases involving treaties, cases involving ships on the high seas and navigable waterways (admiralty cases) |
| Original Jurisdiction | Cases involving disputes between states or disputes arising among ambassadors and other high-ranking ministers |
| Appellate Jurisdiction | Authority to review the decisions of lower courts |
| Diversity Jurisdiction | A plaintiff of one state can file a lawsuit in federal court when the defendant is located in a different state |
| Writ of Certiorari | Request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of a case for review |
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What You'll Learn
Cases involving ambassadors and other ministers
The US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary and outlines the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Article III, Section II of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction over certain cases, including those involving ambassadors and other public ministers. This means that the Supreme Court is the first and only court to hear such cases.
The Supreme Court's jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors and other ministers is not limited to diplomatic disputes but also extends to legal matters concerning these individuals. For example, in United States v. Ortega, the Court ruled that a prosecution for violating international law and US laws by offering violence to a foreign minister was a public prosecution for the vindication of these laws, rather than a suit affecting the minister.
The Court has also clarified that its original jurisdiction in these cases applies only to persons accredited to the United States by foreign governments, excluding US-accredited ambassadors and consuls. An example of this is Ex parte Gruber (1925), where the Court held that its jurisdiction did not extend to cases involving ambassadors and consuls accredited by the US to foreign governments.
The Supreme Court's role in cases involving ambassadors and other ministers is significant, as it ensures the protection of diplomatic relations and the resolution of legal matters concerning these officials. The Court's decisions in these cases can have important implications for international relations and the interpretation of international law.
Additionally, the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors and ministers is not exclusive. Congress, until recently, made the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court exclusive in matters of particular delicacy, such as suits under the law of nations against ambassadors and public ministers or their servants. However, since 1978, the Court's jurisdiction has been original but not exclusive, allowing for concurrent jurisdiction with lower federal courts.
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Cases involving treaties
The US Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which has original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means that the Supreme Court is the first and only court to hear a case. The Constitution limits original jurisdiction cases to those involving disputes between states or disputes arising among ambassadors and other high-ranking ministers.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over cases involving treaties. Treaties are binding agreements between nations and become part of international law. They are one of three types of law named in the Constitution's Supremacy Clause as "the supreme Law of the Land." While the Supremacy Clause classifies "all treaties" as "the law of the land," not every treaty provision is directly enforceable in court.
The Supreme Court has recognized a distinction between treaties that operate of their own force as domestic law and treaties that, while equally binding on the US in international law, are not enforceable in domestic courts without an implementing statute enacted by Congress. In the latter case, it is the implementing law, not the treaty, that is judicially enforceable.
For example, in Missouri v. Holland (1920), the state of Missouri objected to a treaty for the protection of migratory birds on the grounds that it intruded upon powers reserved to the states under the Tenth Amendment. The Court upheld the treaty, finding that it did not exceed constitutional boundaries. The Court noted that, according to the Supremacy Clause, statutes had to be made in pursuance of the Constitution, while treaties were made "under the authority of the United States."
In another case, Goldwater v. Carter (1978), Members of Congress sought to block President Jimmy Carter from terminating a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan as part of the United States' recognition of mainland China. The Supreme Court ruled that the litigation should be dismissed, but it did so without reaching a consensus on the constitutional question and with no majority opinion.
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Cases involving ships on high seas
The US Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Article III, Section II. The Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states and cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear cases on appeal that involve constitutional or federal law, including treaties and cases involving ships on the high seas (admiralty cases).
Admiralty and maritime jurisdiction encompass two types of cases. Firstly, those involving acts committed on the high seas or other navigable waters, and secondly, those involving contracts and transactions connected with shipping. The term "admiralty" in England primarily referred to cases involving local matters such as police regulations of shipping, harbors, and fishing. However, in the US, a broader conception of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction existed at the time of the Constitution's framing.
Congress has the power to extend the scope of admiralty jurisdiction. For example, the Extension of Admiralty Jurisdiction Act includes claims for injury or damage caused by a vessel on navigable waters, even if the damage occurs on land. Federal courts' jurisdiction over admiralty and maritime cases is derived from the Constitution and federal statutes. Article III of the Constitution extends federal judicial power to all such cases.
The Supreme Court typically hears two cases per day, with each case allotted an hour for arguments. Lawyers for each party have 30 minutes to present their case and answer the Justices' questions. The Solicitor General argues cases in which the US government is a party, and they may also participate if the government has an interest in the case.
The Supreme Court receives over 7,000 petitions for a writ of certiorari each year, but it only agrees to hear about 100-150 cases. The Court usually hears cases with national significance, conflicting decisions in lower courts, or potential precedential value.
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Civil rights and liberties cases
The US Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which has the legal ability to hear a case. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states or cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to review decisions made by lower courts in almost any case involving constitutional or federal law.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that contravene the Constitution. Its decisions have had a profound impact on civil rights and liberties in the US, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards. During this period, the Court's rulings began to reflect the evolving societal attitudes, championing the rights of all people, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.
One notable civil rights case is Roe v. Wade (1973), where the Supreme Court ruled that a woman's right to abortion was protected under the constitutional right to privacy. This case exemplifies how the Court interprets and applies the Constitution to defend individual liberties.
Another landmark civil rights case is United States v. Virginia (1996), in which Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as a lawyer, played a pivotal role. This case expanded protections against discrimination based on sex under the Equal Protection Clause. Ginsburg's contributions extended beyond her role as a lawyer; she later became a Supreme Court Justice, influencing and shaping the Court's decisions from within.
Other significant civil rights cases include:
- Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur (1974): The Court ruled that Ohio public schools' mandatory maternity leave rules for pregnant teachers violated constitutional guarantees of due process.
- Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson (1986): The Court recognised "hostile environment" sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Johnson v. Transportation Agency (1987): The Court affirmed that an employee's sex could be considered when making promotion decisions, provided it was one of several factors.
- Burlington Industries Inc. v. Ellerth (1998): This case established that employees who endure unwelcome sexual advances from supervisors can hold employers accountable, regardless of whether the employer is directly at fault.
- Bowers v. Hardwick (1986): The Supreme Court upheld a Georgia statute criminalising same-sex sodomy, citing moral, legal, and social condemnation of same-sex relationships. However, this ruling was later challenged and reversed in Lawrence v. Texas (2003).
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Cases involving state laws
The US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its apex. Article III, Section I states that "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." The Constitution grants the Supreme Court both original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction refers to cases tried before the Court for the first time, which include suits between two or more states, cases involving ambassadors, and other public ministers.
The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction also extends to cases involving state laws. The Court has the authority to review and strike down state laws found to be in violation of the US Constitution. This power of judicial review ensures that state laws do not supersede the Constitution and federal law. For example, in United States v. Peters (1809), the Supreme Court held that a Pennsylvania statute purporting to annul the judgment of a federal court was without legal foundation and violated the federal court's jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court also hears cases on appeal, where a party is not satisfied with the decision of a lower court. The Court can exercise appellate jurisdiction over cases involving points of constitutional or federal law, including those involving state laws. For instance, the Supreme Court may review a state court's decision if it involves a Constitutional issue. The Court generally accepts a small fraction of the thousands of cases it is petitioned to review each year, prioritizing those of national significance or those that could harmonize conflicting decisions in lower courts.
The Supremacy Clause further reinforces the primacy of federal law over state law. Judges are directed to prioritize federal statutes or treaties over conflicting state laws. This clause ensures that state courts do not apply state laws that contradict the Constitution or treaties made under the authority of the United States.
In summary, the US Constitution grants the Supreme Court jurisdiction over cases involving state laws, either through original jurisdiction or appellate jurisdiction. The Court plays a crucial role in ensuring that state laws adhere to the Constitution and federal statutes, striking down those that violate constitutional provisions or conflict with federal law.
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Frequently asked questions
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in certain types of cases, including suits between two or more states, cases involving ambassadors, and other public ministers. The Court has appellate jurisdiction on almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional and/or federal law.
The Supreme Court hears cases that have been decided in either an appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals or the highest Court in a given state. The Court usually hears cases that have national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in federal Circuit Courts, and/or could have precedential value.
A case usually starts in the lower state courts (trial courts). If one of the parties involved in the case is unsatisfied with the decision, they can appeal to a higher state court, such as a state appellate court or the state supreme court. If they are still unsatisfied, they can petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case by filing a "writ of certiorari".
