Keith Mack
The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power shared between the federal government and state governments, each with its own court systems. State courts can rule on cases involving state laws, such as domestic relations, marriage and divorce, corporations, property, contracts, and criminal laws. However, federal district courts have original jurisdiction over cases arising under federal statutes, the Constitution, or treaties, and cases can be brought in federal court if plaintiffs and defendants are from different states. The US Supreme Court, the highest court, can decide appeals on cases brought in federal court or state court dealing with federal law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court structure | The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power shared between federal and state governments, each with its own court systems. |
| Jurisdiction | State courts have jurisdiction over state laws and some federal laws. Cases based on state law can be brought to federal court under "diversity jurisdiction" if plaintiffs and defendants are from different states. |
| Types of law | Common law, statutory law, and regulatory law can all fall under state court jurisdiction. Issues like domestic relations, marriage and divorce, property, contracts, and criminal law are generally governed by states unless there is federal preemption. |
| Enforcement | State courts can enforce federal laws, but this is not compulsory. |
| Appeals | Decisions made by state courts can be appealed to higher state courts or federal courts, depending on the nature of the case. |
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What You'll Learn
Criminal cases
The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power shared between the federal government and state governments. Each of these entities has its own court systems. The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, and below it are 13 appellate courts, which determine whether the law was correctly applied in the trial court. The nation's 94 district or trial courts are US district courts, which resolve disputes by determining the facts and applying the law to those facts.
State courts handle a variety of criminal cases, which involve violations of state laws. These can include misdemeanours and felonies. For example, in Virginia, the Court of Appeals handles adult criminal cases, as well as criminal and traffic cases in general district courts. Texas also has a Court of Criminal Appeals, and criminal cases are heard in the district courts.
State courts typically follow established criminal procedures, including arrest, arraignment, preliminary hearing, and trial. The specific processes may vary by state, but they generally involve the prosecution and defence presenting their cases before a judge or jury, who then determines the verdict based on the evidence and applicable state laws.
Criminal records from state court cases are typically maintained and accessible to the public, although some records may be sealed or expunged in certain circumstances. For example, in Texas, criminal records can be sealed through orders of nondisclosure or expunged under specific conditions. Minnesota also allows for the sealing of criminal records in certain cases, and access to these records is governed by common law, statutory law, and court rules.
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Civil rights
The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, where power is shared between the federal government and the state governments. Both the federal government and each of the state governments have their own court systems. The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, and below it are the appellate courts and district or trial courts.
State courts can rule on civil rights cases, which involve the interpretation and enforcement of laws that protect the civil liberties and fundamental rights of citizens. These rights are enshrined in the Constitution and federal civil rights statutes. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created in 1957 by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all persons in the United States, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status.
For example, the Civil Rights Division has investigated potential race-based discrimination in state employment practices in Rhode Island and taken action against the Wisconsin Elections Commission for failing to provide a required complaint procedure. In another instance, a former Franklin County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty in federal court to depriving an inmate of his civil rights.
Federal civil rights statutes also make it unlawful for any governmental authority or individual acting on their behalf to engage in practices that deprive individuals of their rights, privileges, or immunities guaranteed by the Constitution or federal laws. This includes the use of force or intimidation to interfere with a person's housing rights based on their race, colour, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Additionally, it is illegal for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in the exercise or enjoyment of their constitutional rights, with a maximum prison term of 10 years for such offences.
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Federal vs state jurisdiction
The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power shared between the federal government and state governments. Both federal and state governments have their own court systems, with distinct structures, jurisdictions, and roles.
Federal Courts
Federal courts are established by the US Constitution and have a narrower jurisdiction. They handle cases that involve:
- Federal law or the US Constitution
- The US government as a party
- Disputes between states or countries
- Federal crimes
- Constitutional disputes
- Interstate cases
Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for life terms. Federal court decisions can have nationwide implications and influence legal interpretations.
State Courts
State courts are established by the laws of each individual state and have broad jurisdiction. They hear a wider range of cases, including:
- State law violations
- Civil matters
- Criminal matters
- Family law
- Local disputes
- Domestic relations cases
- Probate
State judges are selected through various methods, including elections and appointments, often with set terms. State court decisions typically impact only within the respective state's boundaries.
Jurisdiction Overlap
In some instances, state and federal courts may have jurisdiction over the same issue. The party bringing the lawsuit can then choose the jurisdiction. However, it's important to note that the principle of double jeopardy does not apply between state and federal court jurisdictions. This means that a person can be tried for the same crime in both state and federal courts if the criminal conduct violated both state and federal laws.
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Common law
In the early days of the United States, common law was an important way of governing society due to the limited number of formal laws that existed. Common law marriage, for example, is a form of common law that still exists today and is legal in many U.S. states. Two people can become legally married without obtaining a marriage license by meeting common-law requirements, such as publicly declaring they are married, living together, and acting as a married couple.
However, as more formal laws have been enacted, common law has become less prominent and more ambiguous. Matters that were once subject to common law are now being formally legislated to provide clarity and consistency. For example, in the case of common law marriage, if one party denies the existence of the marital relationship, it can be challenging for the other party to prove it under common law.
Despite the decreasing prominence of common law, it is still relevant in some areas. In the United States, there is a limited body of federal common law, which refers to rules created and applied by federal courts in the absence of controlling federal statutes. In the 2020 Supreme Court opinion Rodriguez v. FDIC, the Court quoted an earlier decision, stating that federal "common lawmaking must be 'necessary to protect uniquely federal interests'".
In summary, common law is a legal system that gives significant weight to judicial precedent and the reasoning inherited from the English legal system. It is based on traditions and practices that have been established over time, but its influence has decreased as more formal laws have been enacted. Today, common law exists alongside formal legislation, with courts determining which precedents to apply in new cases.
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State law variations
State laws and court decisions vary from state to state, and there are only a few comparative guides available. For example, in Connecticut, courts refused to enforce an FELA claim on the grounds that doing so would be contrary to the public policy of the state. However, the Court held that when Congress enacts a law and declares a national policy, that policy is as much Connecticut's as any other state's.
State laws can govern issues such as domestic relations, including domestic violence, marriage and divorce; corporations; property; contracts; and criminal laws, unless there is federal preemption. For example, states may only bring criminal prosecutions in state courts, and the federal government can only bring criminal prosecutions in federal court.
In terms of the types of laws that state courts can rule on, these include common law, statutory law, and regulatory law. Common law is created by a judicial body, such as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals or the Virginia Supreme Court. Statutory law is created by a legislative body, such as the US Congress or the State of Maryland General Assembly. Regulatory law is related to and enforced by an administrative body, such as the US Department of Labor or the State of Michigan Fair Employment Practices Commission.
State court decisions can be appealed to the US Supreme Court if the case deals with federal law. For example, if a First Amendment freedom of speech case was decided at the state level, it could be appealed to the federal Supreme Court. However, if the case was decided based on a state law similar to the First Amendment, the US Supreme Court would not be able to consider it.
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Frequently asked questions
State courts can rule on any law that falls within their jurisdiction, which includes domestic relations, marriage and divorce, corporations, property, contracts, and criminal laws.
Federal courts handle cases arising under federal statutes, the Constitution, or treaties.
Yes, a decision made by a state court can be appealed to the federal Supreme Court if the case deals with federal law.
The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States.
Federal courts are part of the federal government's court system, while state courts are part of their respective state government's court system.
