LEGAL PRINCIPLE: APPELLATE PRACTICE – Finality of Judgment – Supreme Court Cannot Sit on Appeal Over Its Own Decisions
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The point that needs be emphasized is that this court being a final court of justice under the Constitution has no jurisdiction and cannot under any circumstances sit on appeal over its own decisions; once judgment is delivered, the Supreme Court is without power to sit on appeal or to review it, even by a full panel of that court; its decision or judgment is final and, therefore, not subject to an appeal or review by itself or by any other court.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
"The point that needs be emphasized is that this court being a final court of justice under the Constitution has no jurisdiction and cannot under any circumstances sit on appeal over its own decisions. Once judgment is delivered, the Supreme Court is without power to sit on appeal or to review it, even by a full panel of that court. Its decision or judgment is final and, therefore, not subject to an appeal or review by itself or by any other court."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Supreme Court’s constitutional status as “final court” means: No self-review: Cannot sit on appeal over own decisions—no jurisdiction for this. No circumstance allows it: Not even exceptional cases, compelling reasons, or alleged errors permit self-review. Full panel cannot review: Even larger panel of Supreme Court cannot review earlier Supreme Court decision. Absolute finality: Decisions are final—not subject to appeal to any court or review by Supreme Court itself. This flows from: Constitutional designation as “final” court, hierarchical structure requiring higher court for appeals, and finality principle. “Under any circumstances” means: no exceptions, no matter how compelling the case, and no matter the alleged error. Even if Supreme Court made clear error: it cannot review itself, parties have no further appeal, and decision stands as delivered. This serves: maintaining Supreme Court’s final status, preventing endless self-review, and ensuring true finality. The only remedies for Supreme Court errors are: extremely limited slip rule for clerical mistakes (not substantive errors—see Principle 546), or legislative correction if decision created unworkable law. This absolute rule maintains: Supreme Court’s constitutional finality, hierarchical integrity, and true closure in litigation. No court above Supreme Court exists to review it, and it cannot review itself—thus true finality.