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How can disputes between U.S. states reach the Supreme Court?

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A person ascends the steps of the west facade of the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., with its tall columns and a round fountain in the foreground. — Supreme Court of the United States The west facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building, Washington, D.C.

Disputes between U.S. states reach the Supreme Court of the United States primarily through the Court's original jurisdiction.12

Under Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court is granted the authority to act as a trial court in specific instances, including controversies between two or more states. Because the Court has original jurisdiction in these matters, such cases do not typically move through the lower federal court system; instead, they are brought directly to the Supreme Court for adjudication.12

While the Court is primarily an appellate body, its role in resolving interstate disputes is a foundational aspect of its constitutional mandate to serve as the final arbiter in the federal system. It is important to note that the Court must ensure these suits adhere to constitutional limitations, such as those established by the Eleventh Amendment, which restricts the judicial power of the United States regarding suits brought against a state by citizens of another state.123