Criminal cases in the United States are tried under which legal frameworks?

Criminal cases in the United States are trialed under both state and federal law, making the dual system essential for understanding how the legal process functions across the country. The U.S. operates under a federal system of government, which allows both state and federal authorities to enact and enforce laws.

State law governs the majority of criminal cases, including offenses such as theft, assault, and murder, with each state having its own laws, procedures, and courts. This means that the legal definitions of crimes and the penalties associated with them can vary significantly from one state to another.

On the other hand, federal law is applicable to crimes deemed to be of national concern or that cross state lines, such as drug trafficking, immigration offenses, and federal tax violations. Federal courts handle these cases, and laws are enforced by federal agencies.

Hence, because the legal framework for criminal cases encompasses both state and federal laws, this answer accurately reflects the reality of how the judicial system is structured in the United States.