Is the issue governed by federal law, state law, or both?
What law is involved - a constitutional provision, a statute, common law (case law), an administrative regulation, or a combination thereof?
If litigated, will the action be filed in state or federal court? Even if state law is at issue, does diversity of citizenship exist permitting filing in federal court? Which court rules will govern? Are there local rules you need to know and follow?
You need to answer these questions before beginning your research.
Not sure whether you're looking at a state or federal issue? Use the CALI lesson Decision Point: State or Federal? to help you determine your jurisdiction.
Listen to the podcast How to Select Case Law When Writing a Legal Memo on a State Law Issue from CALI.
The U.S. court system is separated into federal and state courts. Each system has a similar hierarchy, with the highest or supreme authority being the courts of last resort, at least one intermediate or appellate court, and a district or trial level court.
U.S. FEDERAL COURTS FLORIDA STATE COURTS
