federal common law

noun

Legal Definition of federal common law

: case law developed in the federal courts — see also Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins

Note: Federal common law is applied primarily in admiralty and maritime cases, disputes between states, matters of international relations, and in cases regarding the proprietary interests of the U.S. Federal common law is used when federal statutory law does not completely address an issue or problem.

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Dictionary Entries Near federal common law

Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Circuit

federal common law

Federal Communications Commission

federal court

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Cite this Entry

“Federal common law.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/federal%20common%20law. Accessed 24 Jul. 2021.

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