Final answer:
The U.S. Supreme Court can uphold, reverse, or remand a case on appeal, with decisions often involving constitutional questions or varied law interpretations. The writ of certiorari, requiring approval from four justices, is central to their case selection process.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the U.S. Supreme Court reviews a case, they can confirm the original court's ruling, reverse the decision, or remand the case to a lower court for further proceedings. Most cases reach the Supreme Court via an appeal from a lower court, such as the US Court of Appeals or a state Supreme Court. The Supreme Court exercises its discretion in selecting cases, typically those presenting a constitutional question or where there is conflicting interpretation of law. The decision of a lower court stands if the Supreme Court does not grant a writ of certiorari, which requires agreement from four of the nine justices.
In cases of appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court's ruling can result in different outcomes. If they agree with the original decision, they confirm it. If they disagree, they may reverse it, setting a new legal precedent. Alternatively, if they find the case needs further examination or the application of new legal principles, they may remand it, sending it back to the lower court with instructions for action consistent with the Supreme Court's ruling.