{"id":369055,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-kinds-of-cases-can-federal-courts-decide.html"},"modified":"2024-05-15T22:48:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T03:48:20","slug":"what-kinds-of-cases-can-federal-courts-decide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-kinds-of-cases-can-federal-courts-decide.html","title":{"rendered":"What Kinds of Cases Can Federal Courts Decide?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Kinds of Cases Can Federal Courts Decide?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The United States has state and federal courts, each with the power to handle certain types of cases. State courts focus on local subject matters, often involving state laws and local matters. Meanwhile, federal courts hear disputes often involving federal regulations, the U.S. Constitution, and broader national issues.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines the types of cases in which federal courts are empowered to decide and explains their role in the federal government.<\/p>\r\n

What Are the Court Systems in the United States?<\/h2>\r\n

There are two parallel systems of courts<\/a> in the United States: federal <\/a>and state courts. State courts primarily handle a wide range of cases, many of which directly impact the lives of many residents. For instance, civil actions involving traffic violations and family law matters such as alimony and child custody. Meanwhile, federal courts adjudicate issues involving:<\/p>\r\n