From which courts do most Supreme Court cases arise?

Most Supreme Court cases arise from the Federal Courts of Appeals or State Courts due to the fact that the Supreme Court functions as the highest appellate court in the United States. It primarily hears cases that have already been decided in lower courts and involve significant constitutional questions, federal law issues, or conflicts between circuit courts that need resolution for the sake of uniformity in the legal system.

Federal Courts of Appeals serve as an intermediate appellate level for federal cases, ensuring that disputes concerning federal law are consistently interpreted. State Courts also provide a pathway to the Supreme Court when state constitutional issues or significant legal precedents are at stake. The Court hears a small percentage of cases filed, selecting those that hold the most relevance and potential for legal clarification. Therefore, the selection of cases from these courts reflects the Supreme Court's role in maintaining federal law and a cohesive system of justice across the country.