Final answer:
The biggest factor in federal court decisions is the application of legal precedents and statutes, with the U.S. Supreme Court setting binding precedents. Federal courts hear cases involving federal law, Constitution disputes, state disputes, foreign governments, and diversity of citizenship cases. Public opinion can also indirectly influence decisions, especially in less covered cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biggest factor in how a federal court decides a case is founded upon the principles of precedent and the law itself. Federal courts operate within a three-tiered system that includes district courts, circuit courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. These courts heed the decisions of higher courts, with the U.S. Supreme Court setting binding precedents. Moreover, cases are typically decided based on several aspects including the application of the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, and legal precedents.
Cases may be heard by federal courts when they arise under federal law or the Constitution, involve disputes between states, the federal government, or foreign parties, and in situations of 'diversity of citizenship' where large-sum disputes cross state lines. Public opinion and the makeup of the Supreme Court do play a role, albeit less directly, influencing court decisions in less prominent cases or reflecting majority sentiment in certain high-profile decisions.
While some cases can commence in state courts, they can transition to the federal system if they involve a 'federal question' that pertains to federal law or Constitutional matters. These cases can only ascend to the federal level after all state court avenues are exhausted, ensuring that federal courts address issues of national significance and maintain uniformity in the application of federal law.