Federal Constitution
Federal Constitution: The Constitution of the United States, which established the federal government, divided power among Congress, the President and the federal courts, and protects individual rights through its text and amendments. It was signed in 1787, ratified by the required nine states in 1788, and took effect in 1789; it has been amended 27 times. It, the federal laws made under it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land (art. VI, cl. 2).
What federal constitution means
Put simply, federal constitution is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where federal constitution comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses federal constitution in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Expert witness: a witness qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education to testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise.
- Expressio unius est exclusio alterius: latin for "the expression of one thing is the exclusion of another." The canon that "expressing one item of [an] associated group or series excludes another left unmentioned" (Chevron U.S.A.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 and following, that governs credit reports. It requires consumer reporting agencies to investigate disputes and to delete or correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete or cannot be verified (§ 1681i).
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following, that limits how debt collectors may collect consumer debts. It bans harassment and false or misleading statements, and § 1692g gives consumers the right to dispute a debt and get verification.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.