The Supreme Court hears cases that have been decided in either an appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals or the highest Court in a given state, if the state court's decision could have national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal circuit courts, and/or could have precedential value
. The Court has appellate jurisdiction on almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional and/or federal law
. Some examples of the types of cases the Supreme Court hears include:
- Constitutional Cases : The Supreme Court hears cases that answer important Constitutional questions, such as the balance of power between the federal government and state governments
- Original Jurisdiction Cases : These are the least numerous type of cases, brought by one state against another, or between states and the federal government
- Cases Involving Ambassadors, Public Ministers, and Consuls : The Constitution empowers the Court to hear cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls
The Supreme Court typically hears two arguments a day, with occasional afternoon arguments
. Oral arguments are conducted in a courtroom, and the Justices have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the lawyers presenting the cases
. After oral arguments are concluded, the Justices decide the case at what is known as the Justices' Conference, which is held twice a week when the Court is in session
