Law Dictionary Definitions

federal question.In litigation, a legal issue involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, an act of Congress, or a treaty. • Jurisdiction over federal questions rests with the federal courts. 28 USCA § 1331. [Cases: Federal Courts 161–247.][Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Protective Service.A law-enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for protecting ambassadors, diplomatic staffs, and embassy property. • It was transferred from the General Services Administration in 2003.[Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Procurement Regulation.See FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION.[Blacks Law 8th]

federal preemption.See PREEMPTION(5).[Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Power Commission.See FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION.*[Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Parent Locator Service.A federal program created to help enforce child-support obligations. • In an effort to increase the collection of child support, Congress authorized the use of all information contained in the various federal databases to help locate absent, delinquent child-support obligors. Although initially information could be released only if the family was receiving…

Federal National Mortgage Association.A privately owned and managed corporation chartered by the U.S. government that provides a secondary mortgage market for the purchase and sale of mortgages guaranteed by the Veterans Administration and those insured under the Federal Housing Administration. — Abbr. FNMA. — Also termed Fannie Mae. [Cases: United States 53(9).][Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.A unit in the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating the operation of large trucks and buses. — Abbr. FMCSA.[Blacks Law 8th]

Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.An independent five-member commission that (1) monitors compliance with occupational safety and health standards in the nation’s surface and underground coal, metal, and nonmetal mines, and (2) adjudicates disputes that arise under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977. • It was established in 1977.30 USCA…

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.An independent federal agency that tries to prevent the interruption of commerce resulting from labor–management disputes by helping the parties settle the disputes through mediation and conciliation. • The Service can intervene on its own authority or at the request of a party to the dispute. It also helps employers and…