What is the highest court in the United States?

The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, serving as the ultimate arbiter of legal disputes and constitutional interpretation. It has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts, including both federal and state court rulings, particularly in matters involving federal law or constitutional issues. This court is made up of nine justices who are appointed for life, which allows it to maintain stability and continuity in its interpretations of the law.

Because the Supreme Court holds this supreme authority, its decisions set precedent, influencing not just individual cases, but also shaping legal standards and principles across the entire country. This distinguishes it from other courts, such as the US Court of Appeals or District Courts, which handle appeals or specific judicial matters but do not have the same overarching authority as the Supreme Court. Similarly, while a State Supreme Court is the highest court in a particular state, it does not have jurisdiction over federal constitutional issues as the US Supreme Court does.