federal case

American  

noun

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

---

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

Landa-Rodriguez, 60, was acquitted in one federal case.

From Los Angeles Times

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

His sentencing in the federal case is scheduled for 17 November.

From BBC

While other federal lawsuits have been brought against Tesla alleging its Autopilot played a role in fatal crashes, the Florida case which Tesla appealed on Friday was the first federal case of its kind to go to a jury.

From BBC

Guzmán López, 39, is facing his own federal case in Chicago, where he has pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges.

From Los Angeles Times