What is the relationship between state and federal courts in a dual court system?

In a dual court system, state and federal courts operate independently of each other while serving distinct functions and jurisdictions. This means that each court system has its own set of laws, rules, and procedures and handles different types of cases. Federal courts typically manage cases that involve federal laws, constitutional issues, or disputes that cross state lines, while state courts deal with matters that fall under state law, such as family law, property disputes, and local criminal offenses.

The independence of these court systems allows for a balance of power, where both state and federal laws can be applied appropriately without overreach from either system. This framework is essential in the United States, ensuring that individual states can govern themselves in accordance with their own statutes and regulations within the broader federal legal framework. The dual court system is a fundamental element of the U.S. judiciary, enabling a more localized application of justice while still adhering to federal standards when necessary.