Legal Definitions - federal law

Federal law refers to the body of legal rules and principles that apply throughout the entire United States, originating from the federal government. This comprehensive system includes several key components:

• The U.S. Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land and establishes the framework for the federal government and fundamental rights.
• Federal statutes, which are laws passed by the U.S. Congress.
• Federal regulations, which are rules created by federal government agencies to implement and enforce federal statutes.
• U.S. treaties, which are formal agreements made between the United States and other countries, once ratified.
• Federal common law, which consists of legal principles developed by federal courts through their decisions when no specific statute or regulation applies.

These laws govern matters that affect the nation as a whole or fall under the specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Examples of Federal Law:

• Example 1: Environmental Protection

  Imagine a large manufacturing company operating in Ohio that is discharging pollutants into a river that flows into neighboring states. The Clean Water Act is a federal statute passed by Congress that sets limits on the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters across the entire United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a federal agency, then creates detailed federal regulations based on this Act, specifying permissible levels of various pollutants and requiring permits for discharges. The company in Ohio would be subject to these federal laws and regulations, regardless of specific Ohio state laws, because the federal government has the authority to regulate interstate commerce and protect national resources.

  This illustrates federal law because the Clean Water Act is a federal statute, and the EPA's rules are federal regulations, both applying nationwide to protect environmental quality, a matter of national concern.

• Example 2: Civil Rights and Non-Discrimination

  Consider a job applicant in California who believes they were denied employment due to their religious beliefs. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark federal statute that prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, and sex in employment across all U.S. states. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency, enforces these provisions through its own federal regulations and investigations. The applicant could file a complaint under this federal law, which provides protections that apply uniformly throughout the country, ensuring fair employment practices regardless of where the company is located.

  This demonstrates federal law through the Civil Rights Act, a federal statute, and the EEOC's regulations, which establish nationwide standards for non-discrimination in employment.

• Example 3: International Agreements

  Suppose the United States enters into an agreement with several European nations to combat international cybercrime. This agreement, once negotiated and ratified by the U.S. Senate, becomes a U.S. treaty. As a treaty, it becomes part of federal law, binding the U.S. government and its citizens to cooperate with the signatory nations on issues like data sharing, extradition of cybercriminals, and joint investigations. For instance, if a cybercriminal operating from a U.S. state commits a crime affecting a European country, the U.S. government would be legally obligated under this federal treaty to assist in their apprehension and prosecution according to the treaty's terms.

  This exemplifies federal law because a ratified treaty is a direct component of the federal legal system, establishing international obligations that are legally binding within the United States.