[Jacquerie]

I believe it is because in Article III Section 2, the Scotus “shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact . . . “

IOW, it can determine the facts of the case as if the lower courts did not exist. Unlike jury trials, Scotus is not limited to considering only that which the plaintiffs/defense bring up.

[Mouton]

Thanks for noting that...something missing from my government education!