What type of cases are generally binding on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit?

The correct answer reflects the principle of binding authority within the judicial hierarchy. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is bound by its own prior decisions, meaning that cases decided by one panel of the Eleventh Circuit must be followed by other panels within the same circuit unless there is an en banc decision or an overriding legal change. This is essential for maintaining consistency and predictability in the law within that jurisdiction.

In contrast, cases from the Supreme Court are certainly binding on all lower federal courts, including the Eleventh Circuit, but this does not pertain to the circuits themselves. Cases from the state supreme court are generally not binding on the Eleventh Circuit, as federal appellate courts primarily adhere to federal law and interpretations unless there are specific statutory or constitutional mandates in play. Lastly, interstate cases from other circuits are persuasive but not binding; each circuit's court of appeals is typically not compelled to follow decisions issued by other circuits. Thus, the foundation of the judicial system requires that the Eleventh Circuit follow its own precedent.