Pursuant to the US Constitution, the Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction implies that the Supreme Court is the first and only court entitled to hear a case. However, the Constitution limits this power and the court deals with cases involving disputes between states or controversies among ambassadors or other ministers. Appellate jurisdiction refers to the fact that the court has the authority to review judgments passed by lower courts. Frequently, the Supreme Court hears the cases that have already been decided by any US Court of Appeals.
If a person is not satisfied with a decision/ruling made by a district court, he/she may appeal such decision. The case is then reviewed by a Court of Appeals. After the appellate court has pronounced judgment, the ruling may be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
