federal law

[ fed-er-uhl law ]

noun

1. a law or body of laws passed by the central government of the United States or of any other country comprising states, provinces, or other quasi-autonomous units: Compare state law ( def ), provincial law ( def ).

   This act to protect migratory birds is a federal law enforcing an international agreement to which the United States is a party.

   She is an expert on federal law.

Example Sentences

The Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act would make a current Department of Justice rule barring prosecutors from compelling the release of journalists' sources into federal law.

From Salon

“Federal law requires the Colorado River Basin’s reservoirs be managed in accordance with the Colorado River Compact — the most significant component of which is mandatory deliveries of water from the Upper Basin to the Lower Basin and Mexico,” said J.B.

From Los Angeles Times

Therefore, plausible attorney generals should at a minimum be experienced, accomplished lawyers familiar with federal law and practice and thus capable of assessing the innumerable legal questions that reach their desks.

From Slate

The Office for Civil Rights urged Cedars-Sinai to take several steps to ensure it was complying with federal law.

From Los Angeles Times

Under US federal law, public schools must enrol any student within their respective jurisdictions.

From BBC