Question

14/35
in which instance would the supreme court have original jurisdiction?
the state of virginia disputes a land claim with the state of west virginia.
a u.s. citizen in california is accused of committing acts of terrorism in oregon.
apple computer is alleged to hold a market monopoly on a widely used software package.
the captain of an oil tanker that caused a spill along protected u.s. waters is suspected of negligence.

Explanation:

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states (per Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution). The first option involves a dispute between Virginia and West Virginia (states), so this is when the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction. Other options involve individual - citizen cases, corporate monopoly, or a tanker captain’s negligence, which are not state - vs - state disputes.

Answer:

The state of Virginia disputes a land claim with the state of West Virginia.