How do most cases in the United States typically conclude?

Most cases in the United States typically conclude with settlements or lower court decisions due to the structure and function of the judicial system. The vast majority of legal disputes are resolved before they reach trial, often through negotiations that lead to settlements. This is especially common in civil cases where parties may prefer to avoid the costs and uncertainties associated with going to trial.

Additionally, many cases are resolved at lower court levels, with decisions made by trial courts or intermediate appellate courts. Since the Supreme Court primarily serves as an appellate court that handles a small number of significant cases, the bulk of legal matters are settled or decided in lower courts. This approach reflects the realities of the legal process, where efficiency and resolution outside of a lengthy trial are highly valued. As a result, settlements and lower court decisions are the most common ways cases conclude in the U.S. judicial system.