Local, state, federal courts

Jurisdiction

Power/authority of a court to decide a case

What overall types of cases can federal courts hear?

Cases that question a federal law (called a STATUTE)

Or the federal US constitution

Types of Cases that state courts can hear

Crimes under state laws

State constitutional issues

State laws and regulations

• family law

• Probate and inheritance

• Contract disputes

• Personal injury

• Property

• Traffic violations and vehicle registration

Types of cases that federal courts can hear

Federal crimes

Issues involving federal law and US constitution

Disputes BETWEEN states

Treaties with foreign nations

Bankruptcy

Admiralty and maritime

Antitrust

Securities and banking regulation

Foreign diplomats or foreign governments

Types of CONCURRENT cases

Crimes punishable under state and federal law

Issues involving US constitution(?)

Certain civil rights claims

Environmental regulations

Certain CIVIL disputes involving FEDERAL law

Federal cases appeals order

1- US District Court (federal trials)

2- US Circuit Court of Appeals

3- US Supreme Court

State cases appeals order

1- Municipal of County Courts (local trials)

2- intermediate court of appeals

3- state Supreme Court (highest state court)

4- US Supreme Court