Cases that make their way from the state courts to the federal courts generally involve questions arising under

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cases that are decided in state courts can be appealed to federal courts only when there is a federal question involved. This means that the issue at hand must involve the interpretation or application of the US Constitution, federal laws, or treaties. Cases involving criminal or civil law may or may not present a federal question, but it is the presence of a federal question that determines whether federal courts have jurisdiction. Direct appeals are a procedural matter and do not necessarily involve federal law.

Cases That Make Their Way from the State Courts to the Federal