Federal, State, and Local Laws More in-Depth notes

Local Laws Affect your daily life the most Usually the most specific type of the three laws Both state and federal laws supersede local laws –If a local law conflicts with a state or federal law, the local law will be overridden

State Laws Each state has its own constitution and can make its own laws as long as they do not conflict with the US Constitution The states grant power to local governments to make their own laws State laws are usually broader than local laws but more specific than federal laws Federal laws supersede state laws

Federal Laws Apply everywhere in the USA Usually concern major issues; laws are therefore pretty broad in scope Strongest of the three types of laws, nothing can override federal laws

Example: Education F – All U.S. citizens are guaranteed a free public education S – to earn a high school diploma in CO, students MUST pass Civics and US History L – LPS requires students to take at least 2 years of math

Example: Vehicle Safety F – Certain motor vehicles must have safety belts S – In CO you must wear a seatbelt when traveling by motor vehicle L – In Douglas County seatbelt fines are doubled if a minor is caught not wearing a seatbelt

Conflicting Example F – Possession of marijuana is illegal S – in CO possession of marijuana is illegal L – in Denver possession of a certain amount of marijuana is legal Since L conflicts with S and F, L law is typically overridden