Criminal Jurisdiction
The term "jurisdiction" refers to a court's power to hear a case. The circumstances of an alleged crime determine which court is empowered to hear it—for example, a federal or state court. Jurisdiction can play a big part not only in procedure, but also in outcome.
Learn what determines whether a state or the federal government prosecutes a criminal case.
The venue in a criminal case is the court that will hear the matter.
In times of social conflict, threats to public safety require government action. Learn about the authority of local, state, and federal governments to quell civil unrest during protests and riots.
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