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

The move to create the $250 note could also break with a different federal law that specifies the denominations that can be produced.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Talley also said that he had been in contact with federal law enforcement agencies on Johnson’s behalf.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

Havana Docks sued the cruise companies under a federal law that allows the owners of property confiscated by Cuba to collect steep damages from anyone who later uses or benefits from that property.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

In 2019, a federal law banning cockfighting took effect in Puerto Rico.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Fortunately for Jefferson, the leadership of the Kentucky legislature decided to delete the sections of his draft endorsing nullification, presumably because such open defiance of federal law seemed excessive and unnecessarily risky.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis