Final answer:
Federal courts can hear cases involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, disputes between states or residents of different states, cases where the U.S. government is a party, and cases involving international law. They also have appellate jurisdiction except in specific circumstances where the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction. Concurrent jurisdiction allows some cases to be heard in either federal or state courts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federal Courts and Subject Matter Jurisdiction
The federal courts have specific instances where they have a say in the subject matter in jurisdiction. According to Section 2 of Article III of the Constitution and the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789, federal courts have the power to hear cases that may involve the following:
- Federal law, including civil rights violations, securities fraud, employment discrimination, federal crime involving assault weapons, drug trafficking, or bank robbery.
- Disputes involving the U.S. Constitution or a question regarding its interpretation.
- Disputes between states or between residents of different states.
- Cases where the U.S. government is a party, also known as a 'federal party.'
- Cases involving treaties or international law.
Also, when a case involves a federal question, which can include any perceived violation of liberties protected by the Bill of Rights such as freedom of speech, it can be heard in federal courts. Cases with concurrent jurisdiction can be heard in either state or federal courts, unless they deal with specific areas of law that are exclusively within the federal jurisdiction, such as international issues.
It is also important to note that appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, have appellate jurisdiction over cases, depending on the subject matter. However, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases where a state is a party or the case involves ambassadors and other high-ranking officials.