Most civil lawsuits are filed in State court. However, some are sued in Federal court if they involve issues related to the United States Constitution and laws passed by Congress. For the most part, federal court hears cases involving:
- the United States as a plaintiff or defendant;
- violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal laws;
- citizens of different states for amounts exceeding $75,000;
- bankruptcy, copyright, patents, and maritime law.