Which court has both original and appellate jurisdiction in limited cases and serves as the highest authority in the U.S. judiciary?

• A. District Courts
• B. Courts of Appeals
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. The Federal Circuit Court

Answer: (C)

The highest authority in the U.S. judiciary that has both original and appellate jurisdiction in limited cases is the Supreme Court. It sits at the top as the final arbiter of federal law and constitutional interpretation, so its rulings bind all other courts and government branches.

Original jurisdiction for the Supreme Court is limited to very specific matters, such as disputes involving ambassadors and other public ministers and consuls, and cases in which a state is a party. For most cases, the Court operates on appeal, reviewing decisions from lower federal courts or state supreme courts rather than hearing cases for the first time.

District courts handle trials and have original jurisdiction in most cases, but they are not the highest court. Courts of Appeals primarily handle appeals and do not serve as the ultimate authority. The Federal Circuit is a specialized appellate court with nationwide reach in particular subject areas and does not function as the highest court.