An Overview of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the Republic of Tinland is the highest judicial authority in the confederation. As the highest judicial authority, the decisions of the Supreme Court are considered final and all States and Territories are responsible for enforcing them. The organization, powers, and responsibilities of the Supreme Court come from Articles IX, X, and XI of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and three Associate Justices. Each Justice is elected by the people in their respective State for a term of two years. At the beginning of the court's term following a general election, the justices appoint one of their own to serve as the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court also has a clerk.
It is the only federal-level court as the National Assembly has not yet established "inferior courts".
Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Article X of the Constitution enumerates the jurisdiction, or scope of authority, of the Supreme Court. According to Article X, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the following cases or controversies:
Cases on the constitutionality of the laws, provisions, resolutions, and treaties entered into the laws of the confederation;
Cases interpreting the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Tinland;
Controversies between the confederation, or any State or Territory, and any foreign state on boundary, trade, etc.;
Cases affecting ambassadors and other foreign ministers;
Controversies between the confederation and any State or Territory;
Cases between any private citizen or citizens and the Republic of Tinland, or the State or Territory in which they are residing;
Cases relating to disputes between two or more States or Territories; and,
Cases relating to treason against the Republic of Tinland or any State or Territory.
The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is divided into two classifications: original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means that the Supreme Court is the first (and only) court to hear a case or controversy. Appellate jurisdiction means that the Supreme Court can only hear a case if it is appealed from a lower court. All the above cases and controversies, except cases between any private citizen or citizens and the State or Territory in which they reside or cases about treason against one State or Territory, are held under original jursidiction.
List of Cases Before the Supreme Court:
There have been no cases heard by the Supreme Court.