Which federal court has original jurisdiction over disputes between states?

The federal court with original jurisdiction over disputes between states is the Supreme Court. This special authority is outlined in Article III of the Constitution, which gives the Supreme Court the power to hear cases that involve conflicts between states. The reasoning behind this is to provide a neutral forum for resolving disputes that could affect relationships between states, ensuring that conflicts are handled fairly and impartially at the federal level.

In practice, the Supreme Court serves as the primary legal arbiter in these cases because it can bring clarity to legal questions that may not be easily resolved by state courts. The court's ability to address interstate issues also reinforces the authority of federal law and helps maintain a cohesive legal framework across the country. This jurisdiction underscores the important role the Supreme Court plays in maintaining the balance of power among states within the federal system.