Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Federal question
Definition: A legal issue or dispute that can be resolved in a United States federal court because it involves U.S Constitutional law, federal statutory law, a treaty, or international law. If a lawsuit involves a federal question, it can be heard in a federal district court. If a case is initially filed in state court but involves a federal question, it can be moved to federal court by any defendant.
Related terms: Civics, Diversity jurisdiction, Federal court, Federal jurisdiction, Federal preemption of state law, Jurisdiction, Subject matter jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C § 1331, 28 U.S.C § 1441
Definition: A legal issue or dispute that can be resolved in a United States federal court because it involves U.S Constitutional law, federal statutory law, a treaty, or international law. If a lawsuit involves a federal question, it can be heard in a federal district court.
For example, if a person sues the federal government for violating their constitutional rights, that would be considered a federal question. Another example would be a case involving a dispute over a federal law or regulation.
If a lawsuit is filed in state court but involves a federal question, any defendant can request that the case be moved to a federal court.
Related terms:
Federal Land Policy and Management Act | federal question jurisdiction