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What role does Article III give to the U.S. Supreme Court?
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constitution
Original copy of the Constitution of the United States of America, housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as the head of the federal judiciary, vesting it with the judicial power of the United States.12
The Courtâs role is defined by two types of jurisdiction:
- Original Jurisdiction: The Court acts as a trial court in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and those in which a state is a party.31
- Appellate Jurisdiction: In all other cases arising under the Constitution, federal laws, or treatiesâas well as controversies involving the United States, disputes between states, or maritime issuesâthe Court serves as the final court of appeal.314
As the nation's court of last resort, the Supreme Court functions as the final expositor of the Constitution, defining the boundaries of authority between the government and citizens, as well as between states. While the Constitution outlines these powers, it left the formal establishment of the court system to Congress, which later enacted the Judiciary Act of 1789.41