What is a characteristic of federal courts?

Federal courts are designed to interpret laws in the context of resolving specific disputes that come before them. This characteristic is pivotal as it ensures that federal courts provide legal clarity and application of federal laws when legal issues arise in specific cases. For example, a federal court will consider and apply federal statutes, regulations, and constitutional principles to the facts of a case during litigation.

Unlike the perception that federal courts have broad, unrestricted jurisdiction or handle all civil cases, their role is defined by the types of cases they are authorized to hear, which often involves matters of federal law, constitutional issues, and disputes between states or involving residents of different states. This limited jurisdiction means they do not address state law cases exclusively, nor do they automatically supersede state courts in all matters, as both court systems have defined roles and respective areas of authority. In essence, federal courts serve to interpret federal laws and the Constitution while addressing the specific legal questions posed by the disputes they adjudicate.