Fact Check: "The U.S. Supreme Court can decline to review lower court decisions."
What We Know
The U.S. Supreme Court operates under the authority granted by Article III of the Constitution, which establishes its jurisdiction. The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction, with the latter being the primary focus for most cases it hears. Appellate jurisdiction allows the Court to review decisions made by lower federal and state courts (Supreme Court Procedures, ArtIII.S2.C2.5 Supreme Court Review of State Court Decisions).
When parties are dissatisfied with a lower court's decision, they may petition the Supreme Court to hear their case through a writ of certiorari. However, the Supreme Court is not obligated to accept every case presented to it. In fact, the Court typically reviews only a small fraction of the thousands of petitions it receives each year, often selecting cases that have national significance or that resolve conflicting decisions among lower courts (Supreme Court Procedures). The Court accepts between 100 to 150 cases out of more than 7,000 petitions annually (Supreme Court Procedures).
Analysis
The claim that the U.S. Supreme Court can decline to review lower court decisions is accurate. The Court's discretion in accepting cases is a fundamental aspect of its appellate jurisdiction. The requirement that four Justices must vote in favor of accepting a case for review further emphasizes this discretion (Supreme Court Procedures).
Additionally, the Supreme Court's ability to decline cases is supported by its established rules and practices. The Court prioritizes cases that may have broader implications or that address significant legal questions, which means that many lower court decisions go unreviewed (ArtIII.S2.C2.5 Supreme Court Review of State Court Decisions). This selective process is not only a matter of efficiency but also reflects the Court's role in shaping legal precedent and maintaining judicial consistency across jurisdictions.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable and authoritative, with the first being a publication from the U.S. Courts, which provides official information about the Supreme Court's procedures. The second source is a constitutional analysis that outlines the Court's jurisdiction, further supporting the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The U.S. Supreme Court indeed has the authority to decline to review lower court decisions. This is a fundamental aspect of its appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to selectively choose cases based on their significance and the legal questions they present. The Court's discretion in this matter is well-documented and supported by constitutional provisions and established practices.