Also known as: federal court · U.S. federal courts
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
The judicial system established by Article III of the United States Constitution, consisting of the Supreme Court and inferior courts that Congress may create. These courts possess only the limited subject-matter jurisdiction authorized by the Constitution and federal statutes, including federal-question cases and diversity cases. Federal courts apply federal procedural rules and, in diversity actions, the substantive law of the state in which they sit.
Felicity French alleged that federal agents violated her Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights during a search of her office. She filed suit in federal district court seeking damages directly under the Constitution. The court exercised jurisdiction because the complaint asserted a right to relief under federal constitutional provisions even without an express statutory cause of action.
Fatima Flores was subpoenaed to testify against her husband in a federal criminal prosecution. She invoked the spousal immunity privilege. The federal court held that the witness spouse holds the privilege and could not be compelled to testify, though she remained free to testify voluntarily.
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Finn Fletcher obtained a jury verdict in his favor on a contract claim in federal district court. The losing party moved for a new trial under Rule 59. The court granted the motion after finding that the verdict was against the clear weight of the evidence, a ground historically recognized for new trials in actions at law.
Flora Ford faced federal prosecution based on evidence seized during an unlawful search. She moved to suppress the evidence. The federal court excluded the evidence because the exclusionary rule prohibits use of items obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Floyd Franklin lost a nonjury trial in federal district court on an equitable claim. He moved for a new trial or rehearing. The court considered the motion under the standards historically applied to rehearings in suits in equity.
Faye Fuller, a citizen of State A, sued Frontier Capital, a citizen of State B, in federal court under diversity jurisdiction. The court applied the substantive tort law of State A, the state in which it sat, rather than any general federal common law.
Federal courts may hear only those cases authorized by Article III and by statutes enacted by Congress. This includes cases arising under federal law and controversies between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds the statutory threshold.
In diversity cases a federal court applies the substantive law of the state in which it sits, including that state's choice-of-law rules. This requirement prevents forum shopping and ensures that the outcome in federal court mirrors the outcome that would be reached in the corresponding state court.
No. Jurisdiction is determined solely by the well-pleaded allegations in the plaintiff's complaint. A federal defense or counterclaim asserted by the defendant cannot confer federal-question jurisdiction.
After a jury trial the court may grant a new trial for any reason historically recognized in actions at law. After a nonjury trial the court may grant a new trial or rehearing for any reason historically recognized in suits in equity and may reopen the judgment, take additional evidence, and amend findings.
…(Supp. 1972). The precise status of criminal abortion laws in some States is made unclear by recent decisions in state and federal courts striking down existing state laws, in whole or in part. [^maj-38]: "Whereas, Abortion, like any other medical procedure, should not be performed when contrary to the best interests of the…