When the Supreme Court is the first court to decide on a case, it is referred to as having "Original Jurisdiction." This means that the case is being heard for the first time by the Supreme Court itself, rather than being appealed from a lower court. In cases where the Constitution grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction, the Court has the authority to hear and decide on the matter directly.
For example, according to Article III of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states, cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls, as well as cases in which a state is a party.
In contrast, a "Writ of Certiorari" is a request for the Supreme Court to review a case that has already been heard in a lower court. The Supreme Court Decision refers to the ruling made by the Supreme Court after considering a case, whether through its original jurisdiction or through a writ of certiorari.
Understanding these terms can help clarify the different stages and processes through which cases are brought before the Supreme Court and how decisions are made based on its jurisdiction.
