Final answer:
Appeals are made by petitioning a higher court to review a lower court's decision, often through a writ of certiorari. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over most cases, and a case is only heard if at least four justices agree to grant certiorari. The Supreme Court's decision is final.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cases are typically appealed through a process where a higher court is asked to review the decision of a lower court. In the United States, appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, have appellate jurisdiction to hear cases that have been decided by lower courts. The process generally begins when the party that is dissatisfied with the outcome at the lower court level files a petition for a writ of certiorari. This petition is a formal request for the Supreme Court to review the case.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in limited types of cases and appellate jurisdiction in all others. To have a case considered by the Supreme Court under its appellate jurisdiction, at least four of the nine justices must agree to grant the writ of certiorari.
Case names, such as Roe v. Wade, indicate the parties involved, with the petitioner (the party who lost at the lower level and is appealing the decision) listed first. If certiorari is not granted, the lower court's decision stands.
In criminal cases, either the prosecution or the defense may appeal, depending on who loses the initial trial. Specialized appellate courts, such as the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, also exist. Once the Supreme Court has made a decision after hearing oral arguments and going into conference, it is considered final.