federal case


federal case

n.1. Law A lawsuit that falls under the jurisdiction of a federal court.2. Informal A major issue that has evolved from a minor problem: made a federal case out of our tardiness.

fed′eral case′


n. 1. a matter that falls within the jurisdiction of a federal court. 2. make a federal case of or out of, Informal. to exaggerate the importance of. [1950–55]