What is the difference between federal, state and local law?

Federal law is the highest form of law in the United States and applies nationwide. It is passed by Congress and signed by the President. These laws are enforced by federal agencies like the FBI or the IRS. State law is passed by each individual state legislature and signed by the state governor. These laws apply only within the state’s borders and are enforced by the state’s law enforcement agencies. Local law is passed by county, city or other local governments, such as school boards, and is signed by the mayor, county executive or other local official. Local laws only apply within the jurisdiction of the local government, and are enforced by local police, sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies. In Washington, local government law is passed by county and city governments and applies only within the jurisdiction of the local government. For example, Seattle has ordinances that apply only to Seattle and not to other cities. It is enforced by the Seattle Police Department. Likewise, King County has ordinances that apply only within King County, and are enforced by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

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What is the difference between federal, state and local law?

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