What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, serving as the final arbiter of the law and the Constitution. Established by the Constitution, it is the court of last resort for all cases and controversies arising under federal law or the Constitution. Its decisions set binding precedents that lower courts must follow, making it a critical component of the judicial system.

One of the key roles of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution and to ensure that laws and policies align with constitutional principles. This court hears cases that often involve significant legal questions and can have profound impacts on American society, such as civil rights, federal authority, and individual freedoms.

In contrast, District Courts, Circuit Courts, and Courts of Appeals handle cases at different levels within the judicial system. District Courts are trial courts for federal cases, while Courts of Appeals review decisions made by District Courts and can overturn or uphold those rulings. The Circuit Court generally refers to state-level courts, which do not hold the same authority as the Supreme Court. Thus, while all these courts play important roles, the Supreme Court stands as the pinnacle of the judicial hierarchy in the United States.