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

See Examples For:

federal law

An alternate idea would be to keep California on permanent standard time, which is allowed under federal law.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

“Any subpoena issued by the Department of Justice is done so in full compliance with federal law and internal Department policy,” a Justice Department spokesperson said Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

The existence of a private contract between the firm and the court had never been revealed before, because federal law did not require disclosure.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2026

The Times, for its part, called the subpoenas “an extraordinary escalation” and said the appearance of federal law enforcement at journalists’ homes should shock the conscience of any American who believes in the First Amendment.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026

Langley Air Force Base and Fort Monroe moved forward to integrate the housing and the schools on their bases; as federal outposts, they were bound to comply with federal law.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly