What is the highest appellate court in the United States?

The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the United States, serving as the final arbiter of federal constitutional law and interpreting federal statutes. Its decisions set precedents that lower courts must follow, solidifying its role within the legal framework of the country. The Supreme Court has the authority to review cases that have been decided by lower federal and state courts, which can include issues related to national significance or constitutional rights.

The Circuit Courts of Appeals act as intermediate appellate courts, reviewing decisions from U.S. District Courts but do not possess the same level of authority or finality as the Supreme Court. U.S. District Courts serve as trial courts, handling the initial proceedings in both civil and criminal cases but are not appellate courts. State Courts function within their own jurisdictions and have authority over state law matters, but they do not supersede the federal level of the Supreme Court.

Thus, the U.S. Supreme Court holds the ultimate power in interpreting the law at the national level, making it the highest appellate court in the United States.