What is the highest court in the United States?

The highest court in the United States is the Supreme Court. It serves as the final arbiter of legal disputes and has the authority to interpret the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties. The Supreme Court's decisions can only be overturned by a subsequent Supreme Court ruling or by constitutional amendments, making it a critical component of the American judiciary. This court’s decisions set important precedents that lower courts must follow, playing a vital role in shaping laws and legal interpretations across the country.

Other courts, such as the District Courts and the Courts of Appeals, operate beneath the Supreme Court within the federal court hierarchy. The District Courts are the trial courts where most federal cases begin, while the Courts of Appeals review decisions made in the District Courts. The Circuit Courts, also known as Courts of Appeal, serve a similar function at the appellate level but are not the highest authority. Understanding the structure of the judicial system highlights the Supreme Court's unique and paramount position in American law.