In the United States, when a court case involves a ruling from a lower court that is then appealed to a higher court, the costs associated with the legal process are typically borne by the parties involved in the case. This can include court fees, legal representation costs, and other related expenses.
If the case involves a government action, like a presidential executive decision, and it is challenged in court, the government agency involved may use taxpayer funds to cover legal expenses. If the higher court ultimately rules against the government, the agency may incur further costs depending on the specifics of the case.
In some instances, the judiciary may also consider the implications of the case, and if a party is found to have acted unlawfully, there might be rulings about who should bear the costs, including attorney fees. However, unless otherwise specified by law or a court order, each party usually pays its own legal fees.
Additionally, if a decision by the Supreme Court reverses the lower court's ruling, there could be implications for future cases and potential costs for the government or other litigants, but the immediate costs remain tied to the case at hand.