What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, serving as the final arbiter of legal disputes and constitutional interpretation. Established in 1789, it has the ultimate authority in constitutional matters, ensuring that laws and government actions comply with the Constitution. The Supreme Court's decisions set precedents that lower courts are required to follow, and it has the power to review the decisions of state and federal courts, making its rulings crucial for the functioning of the American legal system.

In contrast, the District Court refers to the trial-level courts in the federal system, which handle a majority of federal cases rather than serving as a court of last resort. The Circuit Court typically refers to intermediate appellate courts that review decisions made by lower courts but do not have the final authority that the Supreme Court does. The Appellate Court, similar to the Circuit Court, deals with appeals but does not encompass the highest level of judicial review present in the Supreme Court. Each of these courts plays a significant role within the judicial system, but none holds the supreme authority that characterizes the Supreme Court.