Precedent is set by every court. The Supreme Court considers what 9 judges think are the most important cases but a lot of times they aren’t. They regularly punt on difficult decisions. District courts don’t really have as much ability to do that so a lot of law is created at the local level. Also, the judges define the culture of the court.
The precedent set by circuit courts is only binding to court’s own jurisdiction and can be overridden by the supreme court if it wants. And the cases that can make or break democracy will be heard by the supreme court.
Precedent is set by every court. The Supreme Court considers what 9 judges think are the most important cases but a lot of times they aren’t. They regularly punt on difficult decisions. District courts don’t really have as much ability to do that so a lot of law is created at the local level. Also, the judges define the culture of the court.
The precedent set by circuit courts is only binding to court’s own jurisdiction and can be overridden by the supreme court if it wants. And the cases that can make or break democracy will be heard by the supreme court.