If the U.S. Supreme Court denies a petition for a writ of certiorari (a request to hear a case on appeal), then the decision of the lower court is final.
Denial of certiorari occurs in 98-99% of cases, and in no way implies that the court agrees with the lower court's decision. Denial only means that the case, as presented, isn't of sufficient importance to warrant a review, doesn't involve constitutional issues, conforms to a precedent already set, falls outside the court's jurisdiction, or is moot, etc.
Between 7,500 and 8,500 cases are presented for review each year, but the court can only choose 80-150 to hear, so the Justices have to limit themselves to those cases that have the greatest impact on the law and on society.
If a case is denied certiorari, the decision of the last "court of competent jurisdiction" to handle the case is affirmed and the case is concluded. Affirmation by default does not necessarily indicate the Supreme Court agrees with the lower court decision; nor does accepting a case for review necessarily mean the Court disagrees with the lower court decision.
The case must be unique and important in order for the Supreme Court to accept the case. The case can also be accepted if it is to resolve a conflict of law.
From the case of Marbury v. Madison
When the US Supreme Court agrees to hear a case, it issues a legal order called a "writ of certiorari" telling the lower court to send up the case files.
Judicial review
It is the basis for the excersie of judicial review
who decides whether or not the supreme court will review a case
who decides whether or not the supreme court will review a case
The Supreme Court gained the power of judicial review.-Apex
Docket
A writ of certiorari is an order that allows the Supreme Court to review lower court cases. This writ is not limited to the Supreme Court, it may be used by any appellate court needing to review a case.
The Supreme Court gained the power of judicial review.
The Supreme Court of the United States refused to review four appeals.
A Supreme Court decision can be changed through the process of judicial review by having a lower court challenge the decision and appeal it to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court can then review the case and potentially overturn its previous decision based on new arguments or evidence presented during the review process.
The case must be unique and important in order for the Supreme Court to accept the case. The case can also be accepted if it is to resolve a conflict of law.
Marbury v. Madison is the Supreme Court case that established the precedent of judicial review. John Marshall was the Chief Justice of the court.
From the case of Marbury v. Madison
When the US Supreme Court agrees to hear a case, it issues a legal order called a "writ of certiorari" telling the lower court to send up the case files.