Why something would be in federal court as opposed to state court?

Question

Differences and similarities between the 2 courts.

Answer 1

The offense was extremely severe and violated a federal law. In state court, you face an elected Judge and it is heard at a local venue (where the offense occurred). In federal court, it is in the nearest federal court and you face being imprisoned far from home. You also have a Judge who is appointed, not elected. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

State courts handle cases where the jurisdiction lies only within the state, for example if 2 people from the same state had a grievance, or if a crime was committed within a given state.

However, if there is a grievance between citizens of different states, or foreign citizens against a US citizen/a state/the nation, or other foreign entities against a US citizen, a state, or the nation.

For example disputes in trade occurring across state lines would find its jurisdiction in federal court.

Also, when federal laws are being broken, the original jurisdiction may be in federal court, for example the "violation of civil rights", a federal crime that was prosecuted heavily during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and beyond. Even if the action only occurred in a single state, the violation was of federal law, so the federal courts have jurisdiction over the matter.

Answer 3

fed is the fed gove charge

state is a state charge..
feds is a biggie..