federal case

American  

noun

1. a matter that falls within the jurisdiction of a federal court or a federal law-enforcement agency.

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idioms

1. make a federal case (out) of, to exaggerate the importance of or make an issue out of (something trivial).

Etymology

Origin of federal case

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

They argue that has given him a better understanding of what makes a strong federal case and how to communicate legal realities to the boss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

In the past, they've asked Judge Carro to pause the proceedings while the federal case takes place, a request he has denied.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The federal case carries the same potential punishment after a US judge barred prosecutors in late January from seeking the death penalty against Mangione.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

This is similar to another federal case against Uber a few years ago that helped set up the precedent for the current case.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

They would have made a federal case out of it, getting upset, calling the cops .

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix