What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction for the Supreme Court?

• A. Original jurisdiction reviews lower court decisions
• B. Original jurisdiction is for cases heard initially by the Supreme Court (e.g., ambassadors, states as parties); appellate jurisdiction reviews lower court decisions
• C. Appellate jurisdiction is for cases heard initially by the Supreme Court
• D. Original jurisdiction is for criminal cases only

Answer: (B)

The question tests understanding of the two ways the Supreme Court can act: original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means the Court is the first and only court to hear a case, in limited situations such as disputes involving ambassadors or other public ministers, and cases in which a state is a party. Appellate jurisdiction means the Court reviews and potentially revises decisions made by lower courts.

So the best description is that the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction for cases heard directly by the Court in certain clearly defined types (like ambassadors or states as parties), while it exercises appellate jurisdiction to review lower court decisions. The other statements mix up the roles: original jurisdiction is not about reviewing lower cases, appellate jurisdiction is not for cases heard initially by the Supreme Court, and original jurisdiction is not restricted to criminal cases.