Penn State University Libraries - Understanding the Law: Statutes, Regulations, Court Cases, and Jurisdictions

Courts interpret statutes and regulations. Generally there are two types of courts: trial courts and appeals courts.

• Trial courts determine matters of fact and determine the application of the laws to a given set of facts.

• Appeals courts determine whether the statutes and regulations have been applied fairly and correctly in trial courts or a lower appeals court.

Case law

The opinions rendered by appeals court decisions constitute the body of case law. Case law evolves as the courts interpret laws and regulations. Courts must follow precedent, which means that a lower court must follow the decision of the higher appeals court. This principle is called stare decisis.

All law is influenced by jurisdiction, or the authority given by law to a court to hear a case. There are courts with federal jurisdiction, courts with jurisdiction in a particular case, and courts with local jurisdiction. Below is a simplified outline of federal and state jurisdictions. For more information consult Understanding the difference between Federal and State Courts

• Federal courts have jurisdiction over matters related to federal statutes and regulations, as well as the U.S. Constitution. They also have jurisdiction in matters involving citizens of two different states. Federal courts include:

  • Federal District Courts (trial courts)

  • Circuit Courts of Appeals

  • U.S. Supreme Court

• Each state court has jurisdiction over matters related to its own state statutes, regulations, and constitution.

Each jurisdiction has a final court of appeal (e.g., the U.S. Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Supreme Court of New Jersey)

A constitution is the fundamental document that establishes the structure of the government of a country or a state. As the primary founding document, legislature or executive agency can promulgate a statute or regulation that violates a provision of the constitution or its amendments. The courts decide whether or not laws and regulations violate the constitution.

The Constitution of the United States outlines the structure of the federal government, how responsibilities are divided among the 3 branches of government, and what duties are assigned to the federal government. Those duties not specifically assigned to the federal government are delegated to the states. The constitution can be amended following the procedures proscribed in the constitution.