A federal agent assigned to his first post of duty. Your supervisor calls you into his/her office and tells you that you need to assist in the coordination of materials for a presentation at a class of police officer cadets at the local police academy. As local law enforcement officers, they have an understanding of state and local laws but have had no exposure to the federal criminal justice system. You will need to gather information to provide them with an overview of the federal system including:

* The statutory authority for the creation of federal law enforcement agencies.
* The Office of the United States Attorney
* The structure of the federal judiciary

Discuss the difference of the role of the federal agent vs. a state or local law enforcement officer. What is the source of federal law as opposed to state/local law? Identify and explain the role of the U.S. Attorney in the federal criminal process and describe the structure of the federal judiciary.

How is the decision made as to when a crime is investigated/prosecuted as a federal matter rather than a state one? Does it make sense to have dual criminal statutes in both systems which cover the same offenses?