Federal vs. State Law: Understanding the Differences and Why They Matter in Criminal Justice

United States laws are divided into federal and state systems, each with rules and jurisdiction. Robbery, for instance, is handled by the states, but tax fraud, for example, is covered by federal laws. Understanding the difference benefits anyone intending to work in the criminal justice field. 

Not understanding the difference causes legal confusion and errors within the system. At Northwest Career College, students gain an understanding of the impact these laws have on real cases and the decision-making process for law enforcers. Keep reading to discover why federal and state laws are significant in criminal justice.

What is Federal Law?

The federal government of the United States makes up federal law and enforces it in all parts of the country. Federal law is based mainly upon the Constitution of the United States, which is considered the supreme law of the land.

Federal laws pertain to the entire nation on issues such as:

• Immigration.
• National security.
• Counterfeiting and bank fraud.
• Crimes that involve more than one state, such as drug trafficking or kidnapping.
• Federal courts deal with federal cases, and agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security enforce those laws.
  

What is State Law?

On the other hand, state law is established by each state and applies only within that state. These laws govern day-to-day matters such as:

• Traffic offences.
• Property disputes.
• Family law: marriage, divorce, child custody.
• Crimes such as theft, assault, and DUI.

State cases are handled in a state court, while local police or state troopers do the enforcement.

The law varies from state to state, and what is illegal in one state may be considered legal in another. For example, a few states permit recreational use of marijuana, but it is still a federal crime.

How Federal and State Law Interact

Although federal and state laws are different systems, they frequently interact and sometimes even overlap. For example:

• Dual Sovereignty: Both federal and state governments can charge anyone accused for a single action, as drug trafficking across state borders both were violated.
• Supremacy Clause: Under the U.S. Constitution, federal law supersedes state law when it is in conflict.
• Cooperation: Federal and state agencies work jointly on investigations of an even broader scope, such as organized crime or terrorism.

Understanding how these systems work in conjunction is essential for the criminal justice professional working with both levels of law enforcement.

Why the Differences Matter to Criminal Justice

Knowing the difference between federal and state law is essential to the criminal justice professional for many reasons because it will determine:

• Jurisdiction: This refers to understanding which agency can take up a case.
• Enforcement: Federal crimes may involve different procedures and agencies than state crimes.
• Penalties: Federal offenses are usually punished more severely than state-level crimes.

For example, a person who commits drug possession in one state may be prosecuted under state law. However, if this case involved drug trafficking across states, it would become a federal offense and perhaps even be punishable with a more serious sentence.

How Northwest Career College Prepares You for Success

At Northwest Career College, our Criminal Justice Professional Program, is designed to help you understand the intricacies of both federal and state law. We offer:

• A solid foundation in the U.S. legal system.
• Practical training in criminal justice procedures.
• Knowledge of how federal and state agencies work together.

Our program is designed to provide preparation for the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and court systems. It equips one with a deeper understanding of how laws are applied and enforced at different levels.

Are you ready to Build Your Future in Criminal Justice?

If you are interested in the law and want to affect your community positively, then let Northwest Career College show you the way. Our curriculum will prepare you with the appropriate knowledge and competencies to begin a successful criminal justice career.
For more information about our Criminal Justice Professional Program and how we can help you achieve your goals, please contact us or visit our website today.