Con Law

Front 1

Original Jurisdiction

Back 1

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in all cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and those in which a state is a party, but Congress has given concurrent jurisdiction to lower federal courts in all cases except those between states

Front 2

Appellate Jurisdiction

Back 2

The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in all cases except those between states

Front 3

Writ of Certiorari-Most Cases

Back 3

The Supreme Court has complete discretion to hear cases that come to it by certiorari. The cases that come by certiorari are:
1. Cases from state courts where (i) the constitutionality of a federal statute, federal treaty, or state statute is in issue, or (ii) a state statute allegedly violates federal law.
2. All cases from federal courts of appeals.

Front 4

Appeal-Rare Cases

Back 4

The Supreme Court must hear cases that come to it by appeal. These cases are confined to decisions by three judge federal district court panels that grant or deny injunctive relief.

Front 5

No Advisory Opinions

Back 5

There must be a specific present harm or threat of specific future harm.