Final answer:
Federal courts can review state laws or rulings through the power of judicial review, especially when these laws or rulings are challenged as being unconstitutional or involve federal law or a constitutional question. One landmark case that established this power was Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Federal court review usually follows after all state court avenues have been exhausted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal courts can review state laws or rulings primarily through the power of judicial review. This is an authority established by the Supreme Court in 1803 through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison. Judicial review allows federal and state courts to assess laws and determine their compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
When Federal Courts Review State Laws/Rulings
There are several instances where federal courts may review state laws or rulings:
- Any case that questions the constitutionality of a state law can be reviewed by federal courts.
- When a state court decision involves a federal law, federal question, or right protected under the U.S. Constitution, it can be appealed to federal courts after all state court options have been exhausted.
- Cases that involve interposition or nullification where state actions are considered to exceed the constitutional powers.
However, it's important to note that federal courts typically only become involved after the case has been through all levels of state court review. This aspect underscores the dual court system in the United States, where states mostly govern their own legal proceedings until a pertinent federal issue arises.