Supremacy of Federal Authority
How federal law and authority rank against state and local ones.
Rule
Where federal law or a federal order conflicts with state or local law, federal law applies. Federal agencies may carry out their duties anywhere in the state.
Limits
- Federal authority applies only to matters the law places under federal control, such as those in the Federal Code.
- Federal agencies must follow the same constitutional rights and procedures as any other agency.
- Federal authority does not remove the duty to treat people lawfully under the Rights of the Accused.
Effect on local officers
Local officers must not obstruct a lawful federal action and should refer federal matters to the proper agency. They are not required to enforce federal law on the federal agency's behalf.