Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which court is considered the court of last resort in the federal system?

1. US Court of Appeals

2. Federal District Court

3. US Supreme Court

4. State Supreme Court

The correct answer is: US Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court is recognized as the court of last resort in the federal judicial system. This designation means that it is the final arbiter of legal disputes within the federal judiciary, and its decisions set binding precedents that lower courts must follow. The Supreme Court has the authority to review cases from lower federal courts and state supreme courts, particularly when there are issues concerning federal law, constitutional matters, or when there is a significant question of public interest. This role is crucial because it ensures uniformity in the interpretation and application of laws across the nation. Decisions made by the Supreme Court can only be overturned by the Court itself or through constitutional amendments, which further underscores its prominence in the legal hierarchy. Other options, such as the U.S. Court of Appeals and Federal District Court, serve important functions in the judicial system, but they do not hold the same level of authority as the Supreme Court. The U.S. Court of Appeals primarily reviews decisions made by the Federal District Courts, and while it can set important legal precedents within its jurisdiction, its rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court. The Federal District Courts serve as trial courts for federal cases, handling the initial proceedings, but their decisions can also be appealed to higher