federal law

American  

[fed-er-uhl law] / ˈfɛd ər əl ˈlɔ /

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.

   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.

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Example Sentences

Others say history and the text are clear in demonstrating that Mississippi doesn’t violate federal law.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Under federal law, though, Attorney General Pam Bondi may appoint interim U.S. attorneys who may serve for up to 120 days.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026

ImmunityBio received an FDA warning for misrepresenting Anktiva’s efficacy and administration, violating federal law.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Mullin, echoing members of Trump’s administration, initially described Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old nurse shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, as a “deranged individual” who was “obstructing federal law enforcement.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Without being held, she had no standing for an appeal, because federal law did not allow appeals of criminal convictions.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling