What type of cases does the Supreme Court primarily hear?

The Supreme Court primarily hears cases that involve federal law and constitutional issues. This is important because the Supreme Court serves as the highest court in the United States, and its decisions set precedents that guide the interpretation of federal law and the Constitution. The court's role is to ensure that laws and governmental actions comply with the Constitution, providing a check on the legislative and executive branches of government.

Cases that revolve around issues like civil rights, federal jurisdiction disputes, or interpretation of constitutional amendments fall under the purview of the Supreme Court. The justices can decide on cases appealed from lower federal courts or state supreme courts when federal constitutional issues are at stake.

Other types of cases, such as state versus state disputes, local criminal cases, and traffic violations, typically do not reach the Supreme Court unless they invoke significant federal questions or constitutional matters. These cases are usually managed within state court systems or other lower courts, demonstrating the specific focus of the Supreme Court on broader federal issues.