Overlapping Powers of the Federal and the State Courts
We can see some overlapping situation between the federal and state courts as mentioned below:
- Federal courts may handle cases involving state laws if the issue pertains to whether the state law violates the federal Constitution.
- For instance, if a state law prohibits animal slaughter outside specific areas and a neighborhood association sues an individual for sacrificing goats in his backyard, resulting in a state court injunction, the defendant might challenge the state law’s constitutionality in federal court, citing it as an infringement on religious freedom.
- Certain actions are deemed illegal under both federal and state laws, such as employment discrimination.
- Federal laws prohibit employment discrimination, and states have their own laws on the matter.
- Individuals can file cases in either federal or state courts based on federal law or both federal and state laws.
- However, cases solely involving state laws must be filed exclusively in state courts.
Read More: Preamble of the US Constitution
Difference between federal and state courts
Difference between federal and state courts: In the United States of America, the federal courts interpret the Constitution and federal laws. On the other hand, the state courts interpret state laws and constitutions. State courts are the courts of general jurisdiction. It means they hear all the cases which are not specifically assigned to the federal courts. The federal courts are the supreme judiciary body in the USA that resolves the conflicts between two or more provinces.
In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between federal and state courts of the USA in detail with their thorough specifications and powers.
Contact Us