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When can the U.S. Supreme Court review a decision from a state court?

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Wood-paneled courtroom with judge's bench, American and Nevada flags, wooden chairs and tables, and a mounted animal head above the bench in the Esmeralda County courthouse, Goldfield, Nevada. — Court Judge's bench in a courtroom in Nevada, U.S.

The U.S. Supreme Court has the authority to review final judgments from the highest court of any state when the case involves questions arising under the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, or treaties.1

This appellate jurisdiction was affirmed in landmark cases such as Cohens v. Virginia (1821) and Martin v. Hunter’s Lessee (1816), which established that the Supreme Court may review state court decisions that challenge the validity of federal statutes or treaties, or that uphold state laws against claims that they are repugnant to the U.S. Constitution or federal law.1

Today, the Supreme Court exercises this power primarily through its discretionary authority to issue a writ of certiorari. Under the "Rule of Four," at least four of the nine justices must agree to hear a case. While the Court receives thousands of requests annually, it selects only a small fraction for review, focusing on cases that involve significant questions of law or the need to correct errors by lower courts.23