What is the relationship between federal law and state law?

What is the relationship between federal law and state law?

There are two basic levels in the U.S legal system: federal law and state law. A federal law applies to the nation as a whole and to all 50 states whereas state laws are only in effect within that particular state. If a state law gives people more rights than a federal law, the state law is legally supposed to prevail.

What are the rights of the federal government?

The Equal Protection Clause ( Fourteenth Amendment), prohibits the state from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. And the Contract Clause ( Article I, section 10, clause 1) prohibits the state from enacting any law that retroactively impairs contract rights.

Who are the laws that protect in the United States?

The laws protect all persons in the United States (citizens and non-citizens). Each law DOJ enforces is briefly discussed below. In DOJ investigations, whether criminal or civil, the person whose rights have been reportedly violated is referred to as a victim and often is an important witness.

Are there any federal laws that protect employees?

Among other federal laws that protect against workplace inequality are the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which applies to workers 40 years and older, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA.

Why are local governments not protected by the Constitution?

In this section, David explains that in recognition of the broad authority of states to control local governments, the United States Supreme Court has held that certain US Constitutional provisions, specifically the Contracts Clause, Due Process Clause, and Equal Protection Clause, do not protect local governments against state legislative action.

The laws protect all persons in the United States (citizens and non-citizens). Each law DOJ enforces is briefly discussed below. In DOJ investigations, whether criminal or civil, the person whose rights have been reportedly violated is referred to as a victim and often is an important witness.

What are the regulations of the federal government?

(c) Regulations.— (1) In general.— The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, may prescribe regulations necessary for the protection and administration of property owned or occupied by the Federal Government and persons on the property.

How are police misconduct laws enforced by the federal government?

Federal Civil Enforcement. “Police Misconduct Provision”. This law makes it unlawful for State or local law enforcement officers to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives persons of rights protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.

How many miles does the federal government protect?

The federal government is responsible for protecting approximately 7,000 miles along the U.S. border and 95,000 miles of U.S. shoreline, and every day, over a million people visit the U.S. and enter through one of the more than 300 official ports of entry into the U.S., as well as through seaports and international airports.