Final answer:
Federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve federal questions, including the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties, and cases involving the U.S. as a party. They also adjudicate disputes between states, cases involving diverse citizenship, and specialized matters in courts like the U.S. Court of International Trade. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in diplomatic cases and appellate jurisdiction for most federal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Cases in Federal Courts
Federal courts have jurisdiction over a variety of cases, which can be broadly categorized based on subject matter and the parties involved. These include cases that involve a "federal question", including matters of the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, or treaties. Examples of criminal violations of federal law are bank robbery, illegal drug sales, and assault with a firearm. Civil violations might be employment discrimination or securities fraud. Cases may also involve federal parties if the United States is a litigant.
Specialized federal courts such as the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims have national jurisdiction over specific types of cases. Cases can also be heard when they involve disputes between states, or between residents of different states, and in instances of diversity of citizenship when substantial damages are sought.
Furthermore, appellate courts handle appeals, and the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over cases involving states, ambassadors, and other diplomats. It has appellate jurisdiction for cases concerning the Constitution, federal laws, and in some instances, state laws. Some cases, like those involving diverse citizenship or specific federal statutes, can be heard in both federal and state courts - this is known as concurrent jurisdiction.