Governance

Federal Preemption

Principle where federal laws supersede state laws, especially when there is a conflict or federal law occupies the field.

Definitions (2)

The principle under U.S. law that federal laws may supersede or invalidate state laws when there is a conflict between the two, or when federal law is so pervasive that it occupies the field.

The legal principle that federal law supersedes state law when there is a conflict or when federal law intends to occupy a particular field, preventing states from enacting conflicting regulations.