Distinguish among the federal, state, trial and appellate courts involved in criminal cases. In your discussion, explain why a state has the general power to make criminal law and to prosecute those who violate the law; describe the specific powers granted to the federal govern

Distinguish among the federal, state, trial and appellate courts involved in criminal cases. In your discussion, explain why a state has the general power to make criminal law and to prosecute those who violate the law; describe the specific powers granted to the federal government to make criminal laws; describe the boundaries for congressional power under the Commerce Clause to regulate actions through criminal laws; and identify the ways a state can obtain jurisdiction over the person of a defendant charged with violation of a criminal law.