Why do you have a federal and state court system in a federal system?

Answer 1

The United States has a dual court system that consists of federal courts and state courts because the federal government and state governments are separate entities. Federal courts generally handle matters related to Federal Laws, US treaties and the US Constitution.

Each state is governed by federal laws, but also has an independent government with its own constitution, laws and local ordinances, and the right to enforce them. The state court system processes cases that arise under their jurisdiction (authority) and ensures defendants and litigants receive due process under the state statutes and constitution, as well as under the US Constitution. The federal courts don't have a right to hear these cases unless they also involve federal or US constitutional law.

Answer 2

There is the federal court system, which is set up by the federal government. There is the state court system set up by the state government. They have partially overlapping jurisdiction regarding both criminal and civil issues.

Answer 3

State courts interpret and hear cases having to do with state law passed by the state legislature - Federal Courts interpret and hear cases dealing with Federal law and statutes. State courts do not try Federal cases, and Federal courts do not try state cases.

Answer 4

There are no "state" courts within the Federal Judicial System. State courts are sovereign to the various individual states and have jurisdiction over the laws passed by their individual state legislatures. Federal Courts have jurisdiction over all Federal Laws (but NOT any State laws). A Federal Court "District" may be made up of several states (or portions thereof), but there is no other connection between the two systems unless a state case, impinging on Federal Law, is appealed from the state system to the federal system.