federal court
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federal court
A supreme court at the level of a federal state, such as in Germany, Switzerland, or the USA. It is responsible for administering justice within its jurisdiction at the national level.
Das Bundesgericht hat das Urteil der niedrigeren Instanz aufgehoben und zur Neuverhandlung zurückverwiesen.
The federal court overturned the lower court's ruling and sent the case back for a new hearing.
The word consists of 'Bundes-' (from 'der Bund' — the federation) and 'das Gericht' (court). It therefore refers to a court at the national level of a federal state.
Die Entscheidung des Bundesgerichts ist endgültig.
The decision of the federal court is final.
In Switzerland, 'das Bundesgericht' (the Federal Supreme Court) is the official name of the highest court. In Germany, it is a general term for various courts at the federal level, such as the Federal Court of Justice or the Federal Constitutional Court.
Das Schweizer Bundesgericht hat seinen Sitz in Lausanne.
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has its seat in Lausanne.
Common phrases are 'vor das Bundesgericht ziehen' (to take a case to the federal court) or 'sich an das Bundesgericht wenden' (to appeal/apply to the federal court), which means bringing a case before the highest instance. A court can 'bestätigen' (uphold) or 'aufheben' (overturn) a judgment.
Das Unternehmen will mit seinem Fall bis vor das Bundesgericht ziehen.
The company wants to take its case all the way to the federal court.
constitutional court
'das Verfassungsgericht' and 'das Bundesgericht' both refer to important high-level courts. The most important difference lies in their function. A constitutional court examines whether laws or government decisions comply with the constitution. A federal court is a highest court at the national level, but it does not always have to decide specifically on constitutional questions. The words can be confusing because both sound official and connected to the state. If the issue is the constitution, 'Verfassungsgericht' is more precise. If you generally mean a highest federal court, 'Bundesgericht' is more natural.
Nach dem langen Streit entscheidet nun das Bundesgericht über den Fall.
After the long dispute, the federal court will now decide the case.
Das Verfassungsgericht prüft, ob das neue Gesetz erlaubt ist.
The constitutional court examines whether the new law is permitted.