How can a case enter Federal court?

A case can enter federal court primarily through two avenues: Federal Question Jurisdiction and Diversity Jurisdiction.

Federal Question Jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear cases that involve constitutional issues, federal laws, or treaties. This means that if a case arises involving federal statutes or the U.S. Constitution, it qualifies for federal court jurisdiction.

Diversity Jurisdiction, on the other hand, permits federal courts to hear cases where the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds a specified threshold, which is currently set at $75,000. This is designed to provide a neutral forum for parties from different states to avoid potential bias in state courts.

The other options do not provide valid pathways for a case to enter federal court. Supreme Court decisions, while significant to the law, do not act as a direct pathway for cases to enter federal courts. State referrals and local courts do not play a role in determining federal jurisdiction. Therefore, the only accurate and comprehensive answer regarding how a case enters federal court is through Federal Question and Diversity Jurisdiction.