federal case

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of federal case¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

Example Sentences

To have the standing to bring a federal case, the court ruled, a plaintiff must show that they have suffered a “concrete harm” stemming from the violation.

From Los Angeles Times

Charges in Trump's Florida federal case, which accused him of illegally retaining national security documents after leaving office and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them, were dismissed in July.

From Salon

His previous federal case last year ended in a mistrial when the jury told the judge it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

From BBC

In addition to the federal case, Trump also was charged by Georgia prosecutors with trying to subvert the election there.

From Los Angeles Times

The former vice president’s story is crucial to the federal case.

From Los Angeles Times