What are Federal laws?
Federal laws are rules that apply throughout the United States. These laws apply in every state, such as:
Immigration law
Bankruptcy law
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) laws
Federal anti-discrimination and civil rights laws that protect against racial, age, gender and disability discrimination
Patent and copyright laws
Federal criminal laws such as laws against tax fraud and the counterfeiting of money
What are state laws?
There are 50 states and several commonwealths and territories within the United States. Each has its own system of laws and courts that handle:
Criminal matters
Divorce and family matters
Welfare, public assistance or Medicaid matters
Wills, inheritances and estates
Real estate and other property
Business contracts
Personal injuries such as from a car accident or medical malpractice
Workers compensation for injuries at work
