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Supreme Court of the United States: Jurisdiction

Selected Developments in the History of Supreme Court Jurisdiction

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION

Date

Name/Citation

Summary

September 24, 1789

Judiciary Act of 1789
1 Stat. 80

Exclusive jurisdiction over civil suits where a state is a party, except between a state and its citizens, citizens of another state, or aliens

Original but not exclusive jurisdiction over civil suits between a state and citizens of another state or aliens

Exclusive jurisdiction over suits against ambassadors, public ministers, and their domestics or domestic servants

Original but not exclusive jurisdiction over suits brought by ambassadors and public ministers, or to which a consul or vice-consul is a party

February 7, 1795

U.S. Constitution, Amendment XI

Abolished jurisdiction over suits against a state by citizens of another state or by citizens or subjects of a foreign state

March 3, 1890

Hans v. Louisiana
134 U.S. 1 (1890)

Interpreted the Eleventh Amendment to bar suits against a state by its own citizens

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 927

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, replacing the provision for exclusive jurisdiction over civil suits where a state is a party with a provision for exclusive jurisdiction over all controversies between two or more states

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for original but not exclusive jurisdiction over all controversies between the United States and a state

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, replacing the provision for original but not exclusive jurisdiction over civil suits between a state and citizens of another state or aliens with a provision for original but not exclusive jurisdiction over all actions or proceedings by a state against citizens of another state or aliens

September 30, 1978

Diplomatic Relations Act
92 Stat. 810

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, eliminating exclusive jurisdiction over suits against ambassadors, public ministers, and their domestics or domestic servants, by providing for original but not exclusive jurisdiction over all actions or proceedings to which ambassadors, other public ministers, consuls, or vice-consuls of foreign states are parties

 

APPELLATE JURISDICTION

From the Highest Court of a State

Date

Name/Citation

Summary

September 24, 1789

Judiciary Act of 1789
1 Stat. 85

Writ of error in cases in which a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States is ruled invalid

Writ of error in cases in which a statute or authority exercised under any state is challenged as repugnant to the Constitution, treaties or laws of the United States, and is ruled valid

Writ of error in cases in which a decision is made against a title, right, privilege, or exemption claimed under the Constitution or a treaty, statute, or commission of the United States

December 23, 1914

Judiciary Act of 1914
38 Stat. 790

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for writ of certiorari in cases in which a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States is ruled valid

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for writ of certiorari in cases in which a statute or authority exercised under any state is challenged as repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, and is ruled invalid

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for writ of certiorari in cases in which a decision is made in favor of a title, right, privilege, or exemption claimed under the Constitution or a treaty, statute, commission, or authority of the United States

September 6, 1916

Judiciary Act of 1916
39 Stat. 726

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, converting from writ of error to writ of certiorari cases in which a decision is made against a title, right, privilege, or exemption claimed under the Constitution or a treaty, statute, commission, or authority of the United States

February 17, 1922

42 Stat. 366

Added a provision for writ of error where a decision is made against a claim, brought before final judgment in the case, that a change in the rule of law or the construction of a statute applicable to a contract would violate the Constitution

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 937

Added a provision for writ of certiorari in cases in which a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States is ruled invalid [writ of error still available in such cases]

Added a provision for writ of certiorari in cases in which a statute or authority exercised under any state is challenged as repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, and is ruled valid [writ of error still available in such cases]

January 31, 1928

45 Stat. 54

Abolished the writ of error and made all relief previously available by writ of error obtainable by appeal

July 29, 1970

District of Columbia Court Reform and Criminal Procedure Act
84 Stat. 590

Defined the highest court of a state as including the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, established by the act

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Abolished the right of appeal from state courts and made cases previously reviewable on appeal reviewable upon writ of certiorari

 

From the U.S. Circuit Courts and U.S. District Courts

September 24, 1789

Judiciary Act of 1789
1 Stat. 84

Writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in civil actions and suits in equity brought there originally, removed from a state court, or appealed from a U.S. district court where the matter in dispute exceeds $2,000

February 13, 1801

Judiciary Act of 1801
2 Stat. 99

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, abolishing writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in suits in equity

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for appeal from the U.S. circuit courts in cases of equity, admiralty, maritime, and prize or no prize, where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000

March 8, 1802

Repeal Act of 1802
2 Stat. 132

Repealed the Judiciary Act of 1801 [thereby reverting to the provisions of the Judiciary Act of 1789]

April 29, 1802

Judiciary Act of 1802
2 Stat. 159

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for legal issues upon which the judges of a U.S. circuit court are divided to be certified to the Supreme Court for decision

March 3, 1803

Judiciary Act of 1803
2 Stat. 244

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1789, adding a provision for appeal from the U.S. circuit courts in cases of equity, admiralty, maritime, and prize or no prize, where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 [writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in civil actions still available pursuant to the Judiciary Act of 1789]

July 4, 1840

5 Stat. 393

Added a provision for writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in all cases carried there by writ of error from the U.S. district courts [writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in civil actions appealed there from the U.S. district courts still available pursuant to the Judiciary Act of 1789]

March 3, 1863

Habeas Corpus Act of 1863
12 Stat. 757

Added a provision for writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts from final judgment in any suit or prosecution (arising from an arrest, imprisonment, or other act done under the authority of the United States during the Civil War) brought in a state court and removed to a U.S. circuit court pursuant to the act

June 30, 1864

13 Stat. 310

Amended the Judiciary Act of 1803, providing for direct appeal to the Supreme Court from a U.S. district court in prize cases where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 or the district judge has certified that the case involves a question of general importance

Prize causes pending in the U.S. circuit courts may be transferred to the Supreme Court upon the application of all parties in interest where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 or the district judge has certified that the case involves a question of general importance

April 9, 1866 Civil Rights Act of 1866
14 Stat. 29
Provided for appeal on any question of law in cases arising under the act.

January 25, 1869

The Alicia
74 U.S. 571 (1869)

Ruled the provision of the 1864 statute allowing the transfer of prize cases from the U.S. circuit courts to the Supreme Court unconstitutional in cases where no decree has been entered, on the grounds that the Supreme Court may exercise only appellate jurisdiction in prize cases

June 1, 1872

Practice Conformity Act
17 Stat. 196

Added a provision for appeal from the U.S. circuit courts where, after final judgment, the judges have certified their disagreement with one another on a legal issue which could have been reviewed before judgment on a certificate of division of opinion pursuant to the Judiciary Act of 1802

February 16, 1875

18 Stat. 315

Appeal from the U.S. circuit courts in admiralty and maritime cases extends only to questions of law and rulings of the court, and not to issues of fact decided by the jury

Amended all applicable statutes, raising the matter in controversy requirement for Supreme Court review from $2,000 to $5,000

March 3, 1875

Jurisdiction and Removal Act
18 Stat. 472

Added a provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of an order of a U.S. circuit court disposing of a case by dismissal or remand to state court on the basis of a lack of federal jurisdiction or the fraudulent joinder of parties

February 4, 1887

Interstate Commerce Act
24 Stat. 385

Added a provision for appeal from the U.S. circuit courts in suits brought by the Interstate Commerce Commission, or any interested company or person, to enforce orders of the Commission where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000

February 6, 1889

25 Stat. 656

Added a provision for writ of error to any court of the United States in a case of conviction of a crime for which the punishment is death

February 25, 1889

25 Stat. 693

Added a provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. circuit courts where the jurisdiction of the court is in question, but in cases where the matter in controversy does not exceed $5,000, only the question of jurisdiction shall be reviewed

March 3, 1891

Circuit Court of Appeals Act (Evarts Act)
26 Stat. 827

Repealed the portion of the act of February 16, 1875, raising the matter in controversy requirement for Supreme Court review, where applicable, from $2,000 to $5,000

Amended existing statutes providing for writ of error to the U.S. circuit courts in civil cases by providing for review, by appeal or writ of error, of the following cases in the U.S. circuit courts:

Cases in which the jurisdiction of the court is in issue; the question of jurisdiction alone shall be certified to the Supreme Court for decision

Final sentences and decrees in prize causes

Cases of conviction of a capital or other infamous crime

Cases involving the construction or application of the Constitution

Cases in which the constitutionality of a federal law, or the validity or construction of a treaty, are at issue

Cases in which the constitution or law of a state is alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution

January 20, 1897

29 Stat. 492

Amended the Evarts Act of 1891, repealing the provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of convictions in the U.S. circuit courts of infamous crimes not capital

March 3, 1899

Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act
30 Stat. 1154

Added a provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of criminal cases in the U.S. district and U.S. circuit courts brought under the act for obstruction of navigable waterways

February 11, 1903

Expediting Act
32 Stat. 823

In any suit in equity brought by the United States under the Sherman Act of 1890, the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, or future acts with a similar purpose, if the Attorney General certifies that the case is of general public importance, the case shall be expedited and heard by a three-judge U.S. circuit court, and the circuit judges, if divided in opinion, shall certify the case to the Supreme Court for review

In every suit in equity brought by the United States under the above-mentioned acts, appeal from a final judgment of a U.S. circuit court shall be only to the Supreme Court

February 19, 1903

Elkins Act
32 Stat. 849

Applied the Expediting Act of 1903 to all suits brought under the act at the direction of the Attorney General in the name of the Interstate Commerce Commission

June 29, 1906

Hepburn Act
34 Stat. 592

Amended the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, eliminating the $2,000 matter in controversy requirement for appeals from the U.S. circuit courts in cases brought to enforce orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission

Applied the Expediting Act of 1903 to all suits against the Commission to enjoin, set aside, annul, or suspend an order, as well as to any proceedings in equity to enforce an order of the Commission or a provision of the Interstate Commerce Act; required the Attorney General, in all such suits, to file the certificate provided for in the Expediting Act

March 2, 1907

Criminal Appeals Act
34 Stat. 1246

Added a provision for writ of error to the U.S. circuit and U.S. district courts, on behalf of the United States, in criminal cases, in the following instances:

A decision quashing an indictment based on the invalidity or construction of the statute on which it is based

A decision arresting a judgment of conviction for insufficiency of the indictment based on the invalidity or construction of the statute on which it is based

A decision sustaining a special plea in bar when the defendant has not been put in jeopardy

June 18, 1910

Commerce Court Act
36 Stat. 539

Established the Commerce Court and transferred jurisdiction to it over suits to enforce orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission and suits to enjoin, set aside, annul or suspend such orders [the provisions of the Expediting Act of 1903 remained in effect, where applicable, for suits in equity brought by the United States under the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887]

June 18, 1910

Three-Judge Court Act
36 Stat. 557

Added a provision for three-judge courts to hear suits for injunctions restraining state officers from enforcing state statutes alleged to be unconstitutional, and for appeal to the Supreme Court from an order of such a three-judge court granting or denying an interlocutory injunction

June 25, 1910

36 Stat. 854

Repealed the portion of the Expediting Act of 1903 providing for certification of a case to the Supreme Court where the circuit judges are divided in opinion

March 3, 1911

Judicial Code of 1911
36 Stat. 1157, 1167

Abolished the U.S. circuit courts effective January 1, 1912, transferring their jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts

Repealed the provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of convictions in the U.S. district courts for capital crimes

March 4, 1913

37 Stat. 1013

Amended the Three-Judge Court Act of 1910 to include suits for injunctions restraining state officers from enforcing orders of a state administrative board or commission alleged to be unconstitutional

October 22, 1913

Urgent Deficiencies Act
38 Stat. 220

Abolished the Commerce Court, transferred its jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts, and provided for three-judge U.S. district courts to hear suits for injunctions restraining the enforcement of orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission

Provided for direct appeal to the Supreme Court from an order granting or denying an interlocutory injunction restraining the enforcement of an order of the Interstate Commerce Commission as well as from a final judgement in any suit brought under the act

September 7, 1916

Shipping Act
39 Stat. 738

Provided that procedures in suits to enforce, suspend, or set aside orders of the U.S. Shipping Board, created by the act, would be the same as those in similar suits regarding orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission [see Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913]

June 10, 1920

Federal Power Act
41 Stat. 1074

Provided that the enforcement power of the Federal Power Commission, created by the act, would be governed by the same procedures as provided in the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, and that companies subject to regulation would have the same rights of hearing, defense, and review as in cases brought under that act [see Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913]

August 15, 1921

Packers and Stockyards Act
42 Stat. 168

Provided that the jurisdiction, powers and duties of the Secretary of Agriculture in enforcing the act would be subject to the same laws applicable to suspending or restraining orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission [see Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913]

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 938

Provided for direct review of interlocutory orders and final judgments of the U.S. district courts pursuant to the relevant provisions of the following five statutes, and no others:

The Expediting Act of 1903

The Criminal Appeals Act of 1907

The Three-Judge Court Act of 1910, as amended by the act of March 4, 1913 [the 1925 act further amended this act to provide for appeal from the grant or denial of a permanent injunction]

The Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913

The Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921

[Although not listed in the 1925 act, the direct review provisions of the Shipping Act of 1916 and the Federal Power Act of 1920 remained in effect]

January 31, 1928

45 Stat. 54

Abolished the writ of error and made all relief previously available by writ of error obtainable by appeal

June 10, 1930

Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
46 Stat. 535

Provided that the orders of the Secretary of Agriculture in enforcing the act would be subject to the same laws governing the suspension or restraining of orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission [see Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913]

June 19, 1934

Communications Act
48 Stat. 1093

Provided that the Expediting Act of 1903 would apply to suits in equity brought by the United States under the act

Provided that suits to enforce, enjoin, set aside, annul or suspend orders of the Federal Communications Commission, created by the act, would be subject to the laws regarding enforcing or setting aside orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission [see Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913]

August 26, 1935

49 Stat. 860

Amended the Federal Power Act of 1920 to provide for review of orders of the Federal Power Commission in the U.S. courts of appeals, thereby eliminating the provisions for three-judge U.S. district courts and direct appeal to the Supreme Court in such cases

May 21, 1936

49 Stat. 1369

Authorized appeal to the Supreme Court of orders and decrees of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in U.S. v. Northern Pacific Railway Co., et al

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

Added a provision for three-judge U.S. district courts to hear suits to enjoin the enforcement of an act of Congress on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, and provided for appeal to the Supreme Court from an order granting or denying an interlocutory or permanent injunction

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 928, 989, 995

Provided for direct appeal to Supreme Court from a U.S. district court in any case required to be heard by a three-judge court

Amended the direct appeal provision of the Expediting Act of 1903 by replacing “suit in equity” with “civil action” [the three-judge court provision of the act was so amended in 1942]

Repealed the provision for direct appeal to Supreme Court from U.S. district courts in criminal cases brought under the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 [this provision was deemed implicitly repealed by the act of 1925, which did not include it among the provisions for direct review from the U.S. district courts]

December 29, 1950

Administrative Orders Review Act
64 Stat. 1129

Provided for review in the U.S. courts of appeals of administrative orders under the Shipping Act of 1916, as amended by the Intercoastal Shipping Act of 1933, the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, and the Communications Act of 1934, thereby eliminating the provisions for three-judge U.S. district courts and direct appeal to the Supreme Court in such cases [the act made no change to the provisions of the Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913 regarding orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission]

July 2, 1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Provided for certain cases brought under the act by the Attorney General to be heard by three-judge district courts with direct appeal to the Supreme Court.
August 6, 1965 Voting Rights Act of 1965 Provided for certain cases brought under the act by the Attorney General or by a state or political subdivision seeking a declaratory judgment to be heard by three-judge district courts with direct appeal to the Supreme Court.

January 2, 1971

Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970
84 Stat. 1890

Repealed the provision of the Criminal Appeals Act of 1907 for direct appeal to Supreme Court from the U.S. district courts in certain criminal cases

December 21, 1974

Antitrust Procedures and Penalty Act
88 Stat. 1709

Amended the Expediting Act of 1903 as follows:

Eliminated the act’s applicability to suits brought under the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 [limiting the act to cases brought under the Sherman Act of 1890 and other acts of a similar purpose]

Repealed the provision for three-judge U.S. district courts

Limited direct appeal to the Supreme Court to cases where the district judge certifies that immediate review is of general public importance in the administration of justice

January 2, 1975

88 Stat. 1918

Repealed the provisions of the Urgent Deficiencies Act of 1913 for three-judge U.S. district courts and direct appeal to the Supreme Court in suits challenging orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission

August 12, 1976

90 Stat. 1119

Repealed the provisions of the Three-Judge Court Act of 1910, as amended, and the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937, as amended, for three-judge U.S. district courts in suits for injunctions against enforcement of a state statute or an act of Congress, respectively

Provided for three-judge U.S. district courts in suits challenging the constitutionality of an apportionment of congressional districts or of any statewide legislative body

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Repealed the provision of the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 for direct appeal in cases where an act of Congress is held unconstitutional

 

 

From the U.S. Courts of Appeals

March 3, 1891

Circuit Court of Appeals Act (Evarts Act)
26 Stat. 828

In cases based on diversity of citizenship, patent laws, revenue laws, criminal laws, or admiralty, the judgments of the U.S. courts of appeals, created by the act, are final; subject to the following provisions:

The courts of appeals may certify legal questions to the Supreme Court upon which the Supreme Court may issue instructions or require that the entire controversy be sent up for its review and decision

In the same categories of cases, the Supreme Court may issue a writ of certiorari requiring the case to be sent up for its review and decision

In all cases not hereinbefore made final in a U.S. court of appeals, there shall be a right of review in the Supreme Court, by appeal or writ of error, where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

March 3, 1911

Judicial Code of 1911
36 Stat. 1134

Amended the Circuit Court of Appeals Act of 1891 by adding copyright cases to those made final in the U.S. courts of appeals

September 6, 1916

Judiciary Act of 1916
39 Stat. 727

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. courts of appeals brought under the Railroad Safety Appliance Act of 1893, the Bankruptcy Act of 1898, the Hours of Service Act of 1907, and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act of 1908, making such cases reviewable only upon a writ of certiorari

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 938

Amended the provisions for review by the Supreme Court of cases in the U.S. courts of appeals by providing as follows:

In any case, civil or criminal, a U.S. court of appeals may certify a question of law to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court may give binding instructions on the question or require the entire matter to be sent up for its review

In any case, civil or criminal, the Supreme Court may issue a writ of certiorari to a U.S. court of appeals either before or after judgment in such court

In any case where a state statute is held to be repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, the party relying on such statute shall be entitled to review in the Supreme Court by appeal or writ of error

No review by the Supreme Court of a judgment or decree of a U.S. court of appeals shall be had other than as provided by this statute

January 31, 1928

45 Stat. 54

Abolished the writ of error and made all relief previously available by writ of error obtainable by appeal

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Repealed the portion of the Judiciary Act of 1925 providing for appeal in a case where a state statute is held to be repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States

Repealed the portion of the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 providing for appeal in cases where an act of Congress is held unconstitutional

 

In Bankruptcy Cases

March 2, 1867

Bankruptcy Act of 1867
14 Stat. 520

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of bankruptcy cases in the U.S. circuit courts where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000

June 7, 1878

20 Stat. 99

Repealed the Bankruptcy Act of 1867

July 1, 1898

Bankruptcy Act of 1898 (Nelson Act)
30 Stat. 553

Vested the Supreme Court with appellate jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases in courts not within any organized circuit and in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of bankruptcy cases in the U.S. courts of appeals where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 and the question is one which could have been taken from the highest court of a state to the Supreme Court

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of bankruptcy cases in the U.S. courts of appeals where a justice of the Supreme Court certifies that the determination of the question involved is essential to a uniform construction of the bankruptcy act

Controversies in bankruptcy cases in other federal courts may be certified to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court may issue writs of certiorari to other federal courts in bankruptcy cases

September 6, 1916

Judiciary Act of 1916
39 Stat. 727

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. courts of appeals brought under the Bankruptcy Act of 1898, making review in such cases available only upon a writ of certiorari

June 22, 1938

Bankruptcy Act of 1938 (Chandler Act)
52 Stat. 855

Limited Supreme Court review of bankruptcy cases to judgements, decrees, and orders of the U.S. courts of appeals in accordance with the provisions of U.S. law now in force or hereinafter enacted

 

From the Commerce Court

June 18, 1910

Commerce Court Act
36 Stat. 542

Appeal from a final decree or judgment of the Commerce Court, created by the act

Appeal from an interlocutory order granting or continuing an injunction restraining enforcement of an order of the Interstate Commerce Commission

October 22, 1913

Urgent Deficiencies Act
38 Stat. 219

Abolished the Commerce Court, effective December 31, 1913, and transferred its jurisdiction to the U.S. district courts

 

From the Court of Claims

March 3, 1863

Court of Claims Act of 1863
12 Stat. 766

Appeal by either party where the matter in controversy exceeds $3,000

Appeal by the United States in cases where the presiding judge certifies that a judgment or decree will affect a class of cases, furnish a precedent for the action of an executive department of the government with respect to a class of cases, or establish a precedent on a constitutional question

Appeal on questions of law by plaintiffs who have forfeited their judgments to the United States upon a finding by the Court of Claims that they have committed fraud

March 9, 1865

Gordon v. U.S.
69 U.S. 561 (1865)

Rejected Supreme Court jurisdiction over appeals from the Court of Claims on the grounds that the court’s judgments were subject to review by the Secretary of the Treasury and therefore not final and enforceable 

March 17, 1866

14 Stat. 9

Repealed the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to revise Court of Claims judgments and provided for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases previously decided under the 1863 act

June 25, 1868

15 Stat. 75

Provided for appeal of all Court of Claims judgments adverse to the United States, eliminating previous jurisdictional requirements for such appeals

July 12, 1870

16 Stat. 235

Repealed the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction over cases in which a successful claimant had received a presidential pardon arising from the Civil War, and provided that all such suits be dismissed

January 9, 1872

U.S. v. Klein
80 U.S. 128 (1872)

Struck down as unconstitutional the portion of the 1870 statute repealing the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction in certain cases

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 939

The Court of Claims may certify questions of law to the Supreme Court to obtain instructions for the proper disposition of the case

The Supreme Court may issue a writ of certiorari to the Court of Claims in any case

No review by the Supreme Court of a judgment or decree of the Court of Claims shall be had other than as provided by this statute

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

April 2, 1982

Federal Courts Improvement Act
96 Stat. 36

Abolished the Court of Claims

 

From the Court of Private Land Claims

March 3, 1891

Court of Private Land Claims Act
26 Stat. 858

Appeal by the United States or a claimant from a final judgment of the Court of Private Land Claims, created by the act [the court was terminated in 1904]

 

From the Courts of the District of Columbia

February 27, 1801

District of Columbia Organic Act
2 Stat. 106

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia where the matter in controversy exceeds $100

April 2, 1816

3 Stat. 261

Amended the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 by raising the matter in controversy requirement for review of cases in the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia to $1,000

Added a provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, where the matter in controversy exceeds $100 and is less than $1,000, where a justice of the Supreme Court has granted the petition of a party on the grounds that the case involves questions of law of such extensive interest and operation as to render final decision by the Supreme Court desirable

March 3, 1863

12 Stat. 763, 764

Established the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia and abolished the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, as was provided by law with respect to the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia

March 3, 1885

23 Stat. 443

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia where the matter in controversy does not exceed $5,000; but the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to cases involving the validity of a patent or copyright, or the validity of a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States

February 9, 1893

27 Stat. 434, 436

Established the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, which subsumed the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, as was provided by law with respect to the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia

March 3, 1897

29 Stat. 692

The Supreme Court may issue writs of certiorari to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, as it may to the U.S. courts of appeals

March 3, 1911

Judicial Code of 1911
36 Stat. 1159

Amended the act of February 9, 1893, by providing for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia as follows: 

Cases in which the jurisdiction of the trial court is in issue; if the case as a whole is not otherwise reviewable, only the question of jurisdiction shall be certified to the Supreme Court

Prize cases

Cases involving the construction or application of the Constitution, the constitutionality of a federal law, or the validity or construction of a treaty

Cases in which the constitution or law of a state is alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution

Cases in which the validity of an authority exercised under the United States, or the existence or scope of any power or duty of an officer of the United States, is challenged

Cases in which the construction of a federal law is drawn in question by the defendant

Review by writ of certiorari, or upon the certification of a legal question by the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, in cases arising under the patent laws, the copyright laws, the revenue laws, the criminal laws, and in admiralty cases

April 27, 1912

37 Stat. 94

Appeal from a final decree of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia in cases regarding certain land claims

March 4, 1913

District of Columbia Public Utility Act
37 Stat. 988

Appeal from the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia in proceedings challenging orders of the Public Utilities Commission of the District of Columbia

April 9, 1923

Keller v. Potomac Electric Co.
261 U.S. 428 (1923)

Held the jurisdiction conferred upon the Supreme Court by the District of Columbia Public Utility Act unconstitutional because it constituted a grant of legislative, rather than judicial, power

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 938

Amended the provisions for review by the Supreme Court of cases in the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia by providing as follows:

In any case, civil or criminal, the court may certify a question of law to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court may give binding instructions on the question or require the entire matter to be sent up for its review

In any case, civil or criminal, the Supreme Court may issue a writ of certiorari to the court either before or after judgment in such court

In any case where a state statute is held to be repugnant to the Constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States, the party relying on such statute shall be entitled to review in the Supreme Court by appeal or writ of error

No review by the Supreme Court of a judgment or decree of the court shall be had other than as provided by this statute

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional [included cases in both the District Court of the U.S. for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia]

June 7, 1943

U.S. v. Belt
319 U.S. 521 (1943)

Held that the act of 1912 conferring appellate jurisdiction on the Supreme Court in certain land cases had been implicitly repealed by the Judiciary Act of 1925, which provided for direct appeal from the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia exclusively in five instances, but did not include the 1912 statute

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 870, 875

Made the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia and the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia equivalent to the U.S. district courts and U.S. courts of appeals, respectively

 

From the Emergency Court of Appeals

January 30, 1942

Emergency Price Control Act
56 Stat. 32

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases brought under the act

September 8, 1950

Defense Production Act
64 Stat. 809

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases brought under the act

March 19, 1962

Order of Chief Judge Albert B. Maris
299 F.2d 20

Abolished the Emergency Court of Appeals, effective April 18, 1962

 

In Habeas Corpus Proceedings

September 24, 1789

Judiciary Act of 1789
1 Stat. 82

Justices of the Supreme Court may issue writs of habeas corpus; the writ does not extend to prisoners in jail unless they are in custody under the authority of the United States, committed for trial before a federal court, or needed to testify in court

August 29, 1842

5 Stat. 539

Appeal from the U.S. circuit courts in habeas corpus proceedings where a citizen or subject of a foreign state is denied release from confinement for an act done under the alleged authority of such foreign state

February 5, 1867

Habeas Corpus Act of 1867
14 Stat. 386

Appeal from a final judgment of a U.S. circuit court in a habeas corpus proceeding in which the petitioner alleges that their detention violates the Constitution or federal law

March 27, 1868

15 Stat. 44

Repealed the portion of the Habeas Corpus Act of 1867 providing for appeal to the Supreme Court

October 25, 1869

Ex parte Yerger
75 U.S. 85 (1869)

Ruled the Supreme Court retained appellate jurisdiction over habeas corpus cases in the U.S. circuit courts pursuant to the Judiciary Act of 1789, notwithstanding the repeal of its appellate jurisdiction in cases brought under the Habeas Corpus Act of 1867

March 3, 1885

23 Stat. 437

Restored the portion of the Habeas Corpus Act of 1867 providing for appeal to the Supreme Court

March 10, 1908

35 Stat. 40

Limited appeals from federal court, where the detention complained of is by virtue of process issued by a state court, to cases in which the federal court or a justice of the Supreme Court certifies that probable cause for an appeal exists

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 940

Limited review of habeas corpus cases to those where a U.S. court of appeals certifies a question of law to the Supreme Court, or the Supreme Court issues a writ of certiorari to a U.S. court of appeals

 

From the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals

December 22, 1971

Economic Stabilization Act
85 Stat. 750

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases brought under the act

November 27, 1973

Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act
87 Stat. 633

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases brought under the act

December 22, 1974

Energy Policy and Conservation Act
89 Stat. 963

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases brought under the act

October 29, 1992

Federal Courts Administration Act
106 Stat. 4507

Abolished the Temporary Emergency Court of Appeals, effective April 30, 1993

 

From the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (formerly U.S. Court of Military Appeals)

December 6, 1983

Military Justice Act
97 Stat. 1406

Review, by writ of certiorari, of the following cases:

Cases reviewed by the Court of Military Appeals in which a Court of Military Review has affirmed a sentence affecting a general or flag officer or extending to death

Cases certified to the Court of Military Appeals by the Judge Advocate General after review by a Court of Military Review 

Cases in which the Court of Military Appeals granted a petition for review after review by a Court of Military Review and a showing of good cause by the accused

Cases other than those previously described in which the Court of Military Appeals granted relief

 

From the U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals (originally U.S. Court of Customs Appeals)

August 22, 1914

38 Stat. 703

Review, by writ of certiorari, of cases in which the construction of the Constitution or a treaty is at issue, or where the Attorney General has, before a decision is rendered, certified that the case is of such importance as to justify review by the Supreme Court

June 17, 1930

Tariff Act
46 Stat. 762

Review, by writ of certiorari, of all cases

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

April 2, 1982

Federal Courts Improvement Act
96 Stat. 36

Abolished the U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals

 

From the U.S. Court of International Trade

October 10, 1980

Customs Courts Act
94 Stat. 1727

Reorganized the U.S. Customs Court as the U.S. Court of International Trade, thereby making the U.S. Court of International Trade subject to the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937, which provided for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Repealed the provision of the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 for appeal in cases where an act of Congress is held unconstitutional

 

From the U.S. Customs Court

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Provided for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional

October 10, 1980

Customs Courts Act
94 Stat. 1727

Reorganized the U.S. Customs Court as the U.S. Court of International Trade

 

From the U.S. Territorial Courts

General Provisions

March 3, 1805

2 Stat. 338

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases concerning the United States in the superior courts of the territories in which no district court has been established [those courts having been vested with jurisdiction over such cases equal to that of the district court in Kentucky]

April 7, 1874

Territorial Practice Act
18 Stat. 27

The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over the territorial courts shall be exercised by writ of error where the trial was by jury and by appeal in all other cases

March 3, 1885

23 Stat. 443

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme courts of the territories where the matter in controversy does not exceed $5,000; but the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to cases involving the validity of a patent or copyright, or the validity of a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States

March 3, 1891

Circuit Court of Appeals Act (Evarts Act)
26 Stat. 828, 830

The statute made the decisions of the newly-created U.S. courts of appeals final (subject to certification to the Supreme Court of a question of law or the issuance by the Supreme Court of a writ of certiorari) in diversity of citizenship cases as well as cases based on patent, revenue, criminal, or admiralty laws, thereby precluding direct appeal from a territorial court to the Supreme Court in such cases

August 24, 1937

Judiciary Reform Act
50 Stat. 752

Added a provision for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases to which the United States or a federal agency, officer, or employee is a party and in which an act of Congress has been ruled unconstitutional [included cases in all courts of record for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico]

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 928

Amended the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 to include the District Court for the Territory of Alaska, the U.S. District Court for the District of the Canal Zone, and the District Court of the Virgin Islands

October 31, 1951

65 Stat. 726

Amended the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 to include the District Court of Guam [the Organic Act of Guam, August 1, 1950, 64 Stat. 390, had enacted an equivalent provision]

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Repealed the portion of the Judiciary Reform Act of 1937 providing for appeal to the Supreme Court in cases where an act of Congress is held unconstitutional

 

Alabama Territory

April 20, 1818

3 Stat. 468

Appeal from the general court of Alabama Territory in admiralty and maritime cases

 

Alaska Territory (originally District of Alaska)

May 17, 1884

First Organic Act for Alaska
23 Stat. 26

Review of cases in the district court for Alaska as in other cases from the U.S. district courts

July 8, 1898

30 Stat. 728

Transferred to the Supreme Court cases originating in the district court for Alaska that were pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on or prior to December 30, 1897, where the Supreme Court would have had jurisdiction when the case was appealed

June 6, 1900

Second Organic Act for Alaska
31 Stat. 414

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska Territory, as follows:

Prize causes

Cases involving the construction or application of the Constitution

Cases in which the constitutionality of a federal law or the validity or construction of a treaty is in question

Cases in which a state constitutional provision or law is alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 941

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska Territory

 

Arizona Territory

February 24, 1863

Arizona Territory Organic Act
12 Stat. 665

Extended to Arizona Territory laws applicable to New Mexico Territory [see New Mexico Territory, below]

 

Arkansas Territory

May 26, 1824

4 Stat. 53

Appeal from the superior court of Arkansas Territory in certain land cases

 

Colorado Territory

February 28, 1861

Colorado Territory Organic Act
12 Stat. 174

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Colorado Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Dakota Territory

March 2, 1861

Dakota Territory Organic Act
12 Stat. 242

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Dakota Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Florida Territory (including East and West Florida Territories)

March 3, 1823

3 Stat. 752

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the superior courts of the territories of East and West Florida where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

May 15, 1826

4 Stat. 165

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the court of appeals of Florida Territory in several categories, including suits to which the United States is a party and suits arising under the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States

 

Hawaii Territory

March 3, 1909

35 Stat. 839

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the district court for the Territory of Hawaii as are so reviewable from the U.S. district and U.S. circuit courts

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of the Territory of Hawaii where the matter in controversy exceeds $5,000

March 3, 1911

Judicial Code of 1911
36 Stat. 1158

Added a provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of the Territory of Hawaii where such review could be had from the highest court of a state

January 28, 1915

38 Stat. 804

Repealed the provision for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of the Territory of Hawaii where the matter in controversy exceeds $5,000

Added a provision for review, by writ of certiorari to the supreme court of the Territory of Hawaii, of all cases other than those in which review by appeal or writ of error is available

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 936, 941

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for the Territory of Hawaii

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of the Territory of Hawaii

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 907

Included the U.S. District Court for the Territory of Hawaii within the general definition of the U.S. district courts, thereby including it within the provisions for direct review by the Supreme Court applicable to all U.S. district courts under the Judicial Code of 1948

 

Idaho Territory

March 3, 1863

Idaho Territory Organic Act
12 Stat. 811

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Idaho Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

 

Indian Territory

March 1, 1889

25 Stat. 784

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. Court for the Indian Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

March 3, 1891

Circuit Court of Appeals Act (Evarts Act)
26 Stat. 829

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. Court for the Indian Territory under the same regulations as apply to the U.S. district courts and U.S. circuit courts under the act

 

Iowa Territory

June 12, 1838

Iowa Territory Organic Act
5 Stat. 238

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Iowa Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Kansas Territory

May 30, 1854

Kansas-Nebraska Act
10 Stat. 287

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Kansas Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to matters involving title to slaves and that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

 

Michigan Territory

February 5, 1825

4 Stat. 81

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the highest court of Michigan Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Minnesota Territory

March 3, 1849

Minnesota Territory Organic Act
9 Stat. 406

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Minnesota Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Montana Territory

May 26, 1864

Montana Territory Organic Act
13 Stat. 89

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Montana Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

 

Nebraska Territory

May 30, 1854

Kansas-Nebraska Act
10 Stat. 280

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Nebraska Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to matters involving title to slaves and that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

 

Nevada Territory

March 2, 1861

Nevada Territory Organic Act
12 Stat. 212

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Nevada Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

New Mexico Territory

September 9, 1850

New Mexico Territory Organic Act
9 Stat. 450

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of New Mexico Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to matters involving title to slaves and that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

 

Oklahoma Territory

May 2, 1890

Oklahoma Territory Organic Act
26 Stat. 86

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Oklahoma Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $5,000

 

Oregon Territory

August 14, 1848

Oregon Territory Organic Act
9 Stat. 327

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Oregon Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 and in cases where the Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty is brought into question

 

Orleans Territory

March 26, 1804

Territory of Orleans Organic Act
2 Stat. 286

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Orleans [the statute vested the court with the same jurisdiction and powers as the district court in Kentucky, giving the Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction by implication]

 

Philippines

July 1, 1902

Philippine Organic Act
32 Stat. 695

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Supreme Court of the Philippines, as follows:

Cases where the Constitution or any statute, treaty, title, right or privilege of the United States is involved

Cases where the matter in controversy exceeds $25,000

Cases where the title or possession of real estate exceeding $25,000 in value is in question

September 6, 1916

Judiciary Act of 1916
39 Stat. 727

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the Supreme Court of the Philippines after November 5, 1916; provided for review, by writ of certiorari, in cases where review was previously allowed by appeal or writ of error

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 940

Removed cases where a “title, right or privilege of the United States” is involved from those in which a writ of certiorari may be issued to the Supreme Court of the Philippines

July 4, 1946

Treaty of Manila

The United States relinquished sovereignty over the Philippines, ending the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction over the Supreme Court of the Philippines

 

Puerto Rico

April 12, 1900

Organic Act for Puerto Rico (Foraker Act)
31 Stat. 85

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico and the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico where such review is available from the territorial supreme courts and where the Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty is brought in question and the right claimed thereunder is denied

March 3, 1911

Judicial Code of 1911
36 Stat. 1157

Amended the Organic Act for Puerto Rico of 1900 by providing for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico and the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico, as follows:

Cases involving the validity of a copyright

Cases involving the validity of a treaty, statute, or authority exercised under the United States

Cases in which the Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty is brought in question and the right claimed thereunder is denied

All other cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $5,000

January 28, 1915

38 Stat. 804

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico as are so reviewable in the U.S. district courts

Repealed previous provisions for review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico and provided for such review as is available in cases in the highest courts of the states

Added a provision for review, by writ of certiorari to the supreme court of Puerto Rico, in all cases other than those in which review by appeal or writ of error is available

February 13, 1925

Judiciary Act of 1925 (Judges’ Bill)
43 Stat. 936, 941

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico

Abolished review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico

June 25, 1948

Judicial Code of 1948
62 Stat. 907, 928

Included the U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico within the general definition of the U.S. district courts, thereby including it within the provisions for direct review by the Supreme Court applicable to all U.S. district courts under the  Judicial Code of 1948

August 30, 1961

75 Stat. 417

Review of cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico, as follows:

Appeal from decisions holding invalid a federal statute or treaty

Appeal from decisions holding valid a Puerto Rico statute alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution or federal law

Review, by writ of certiorari, in cases in which the validity of a federal statute or treaty is drawn in question; cases in which a Puerto Rico statute is alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution or federal law; and cases in which a title, right, privilege or immunity is claimed under the Constitution, statutes, treaties or a commission of the United States

June 27, 1988

Supreme Court Case Selections Act
102 Stat. 662

Limited review of all cases in the supreme court of Puerto Rico to writ of certiorari

 

Utah Territory

September 9, 1850

Utah Territory Organic Act
9 Stat. 455

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Utah Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000, except that the matter in controversy requirement shall not apply to matters involving title to slaves and that appeal or writ of error will be allowed from a decision of the territorial supreme court or district courts, or any judge thereof, on a petition for habeas corpus

June 23, 1874

Poland Act
18 Stat. 254

Added provision for writ of error to the supreme court of Utah Territory in criminal cases where the accused is sentenced to death or convicted of bigamy or polygamy

 

Virgin Islands

December 28, 2012

126 Stat. 1606

Review, by writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, in the following cases:

Cases in which the validity of a federal statute or treaty is drawn in question

Cases in which a Virgin Islands statute is alleged to be repugnant to the Constitution or federal law

Cases in which a title, right, privilege or immunity is claimed under the Constitution, statutes, treaties or a commission of the United States

 

Washington Territory

March 2, 1853

Washington Territory Organic Act
10 Stat. 176

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Washington Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $2,000 and in cases where the Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty is brought into question

 

Wisconsin Territory

April 20, 1836

Wisconsin Territory Organic Act
5 Stat. 13

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Wisconsin Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000

 

Wyoming Territory

July 25, 1868

Wyoming Territory Organic Act
15 Stat. 181

Review, by appeal or writ of error, of cases in the supreme court of Wyoming Territory where the matter in controversy exceeds $1,000