Gavin Howe
The US Constitution states that federal judicial power shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. This means that Congress can create lower federal courts, such as district and circuit courts, to hear cases involving federal law. However, in some cases, state courts can also decide federal issues, particularly when federal courts do not have exclusive jurisdiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court | Supreme Court or inferior courts ordained and established by Congress |
| Jurisdiction | Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over a matter unless federal law grants state courts concurrent jurisdiction |
| State court enforcement of federal law | State courts must hear federal law claims unless state law bars a state court from hearing a federal claim through a "neutral rule of judicial administration" that does not improperly burden claims arising under federal law |
What You'll Learn
Federal question jurisdiction
In the United States, federal question jurisdiction is a type of subject-matter jurisdiction that gives federal courts the power to hear civil cases where the plaintiff alleges a violation of the US Constitution, federal law, or a treaty to which the US is a party. This type of jurisdiction is outlined in Article III, Section 2, Clause 1 of the US Constitution, which states that the judicial power extends to all cases "arising under" the Constitution, laws, and treaties of the United States.
The federal question jurisdiction statute is codified at 28 U.S.C. § 1331, which states that district courts have original jurisdiction over all civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States. This means that the district courts are the first to hear these cases, and any appeals can be heard by higher courts.
The requirement for a case to "arise under" federal law is known as the "well-pleaded complaint" rule, which states that the federal question must appear on the face of the plaintiff's complaint. This means that the plaintiff must explicitly allege a violation of federal law in their initial complaint for the case to be heard by a federal court.
While federal question jurisdiction typically involves federal civil cases, it can also extend to federal criminal cases, which are heard exclusively by federal courts. Additionally, federal question jurisdiction can arise in state law civil claims or criminal charges if the resolution of a substantial question of federal law is required.
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State court jurisdiction
In the context of federal law, it's important to understand the interplay between state courts and federal courts. While federal crimes are typically tried in federal courts, there are situations where state courts can have jurisdiction over federal law matters. This often depends on the nature of the case and the specific laws involved.
One scenario where state courts can have jurisdiction over federal law is when the federal government confers jurisdiction to the states. In certain circumstances, Congress may pass laws that allow state courts to hear cases involving federal laws or issues. This is usually done through what is known as "concurrent jurisdiction," where both state and federal courts have the authority to hear cases involving specific federal laws.
Additionally, state courts can have jurisdiction over federal law when the case involves supplemental jurisdiction. Supplemental jurisdiction, also known as ancillary or pendent jurisdiction, comes into play when a state court is already hearing a case involving state law, and there are additional federal law claims that are substantially related to the original claim. In such cases, the state court may choose to exercise supplemental jurisdiction to hear the federal law claims as well, rather than having separate trials in state and federal courts.
However, it's important to note that state courts cannot override federal laws or interpret them differently from federal courts. State courts must follow the precedents set by federal courts when interpreting and applying federal laws.
Overall, the relationship between state court jurisdiction and federal law is complex and depends on various factors, including the nature of the case, the specific laws involved, and the decisions of Congress and the federal courts regarding the extent of state court involvement in federal matters.
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Criminal cases
Federal district courts are the trial courts of the federal court system, and they have jurisdiction over crimes that violate federal laws. These courts handle a wide range of criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanours, and capital offences. Federal district courts also have exclusive jurisdiction over certain matters, such as bankruptcy cases and some immigration cases.
In addition to federal district courts, certain criminal cases may be heard by magistrate judges, who are judicial officers that assist federal district court judges. Magistrate judges may decide criminal trials when both parties agree to have the case heard by them instead of a district court judge.
The right to a trial by jury is guaranteed in criminal cases, and the jury plays a crucial role in determining the facts of the case. In federal criminal cases, the jury must consist of 12 persons, while state court juries can be as small as six jurors in some cases. During the trial, the jury listens to the evidence presented by both sides and determines the facts in dispute.
After the trial, if the defendant is found guilty, the court will impose a sentence. Federal courts consider the United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines when deciding on an appropriate punishment for a given crime. The sentence may include imprisonment, probation, fines, or other penalties.
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Civil cases
While the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney if accused of a crime, there is no such guarantee for civil cases. This means that citizens who bring civil suits or are sued must hire a private attorney. In some cases, legal aid resources are available for people who cannot afford an attorney, and attorneys can also help someone for free by donating their time, which is called pro bono work. Parties to a lawsuit are also allowed to represent themselves, which is called pro se.
- Suing for civil rights violations or discrimination
- Suing for First Amendment violations of free speech, free expression of religion, etc.
- Suing people for a loss they caused, if they are from another state
- Suing a school for denying admission due to gender
- Suing a friend's family and insurance company after being injured in a car accident while on vacation with them in California
- Suing a music company and band for losses caused by the illegal use of copyrighted songs and videos
- Suing a school district for using a discriminatory districting map
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Federal criminal procedure
The federal criminal process involves several steps, including:
- Initial Hearing/Arraignment: This is the first court appearance, where the charges against the defendant are read, and they enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
- Preliminary Hearing: This is where the judge decides if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
- Grand Jury: A grand jury is required in federal felony cases unless waived by the defendant. They review the evidence and decide if there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and if the defendant should be charged.
- Pre-trial Proceedings: This includes motions, discovery, and plea bargaining.
- Trial: The trial is where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and a verdict is reached by a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty, the judge determines the sentence, which can include incarceration, fines, probation, or other penalties.
It's important to note that federal criminal procedure can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case, and there may be additional steps or variations in the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Federal courts are government entities that have the authority to resolve legal disputes involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, and treaties.
Yes, unless federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over a matter, state courts may hear cases over which federal courts would also have jurisdiction.
Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases and federal criminal cases, which must be tried using a grand jury.
State courts are established by state governments and have jurisdiction over matters arising under state law. Federal courts, on the other hand, are established by the U.S. government and have jurisdiction over matters involving federal law.
If an individual breaks both state and federal laws, they can be tried in either a state or federal court. The decision about which court to use is typically made by the plaintiff or prosecutor.
