Some may ask “what is the difference between federal and state law?” The two typically go hand in hand as the primary purpose of both is to regulate citizens. Federal law applies to all states in the United States, while state laws may differ as they apply only to the state in which the individual is located at the time. I think this is one of the most important differences. Depending on the type of crime committed will determine the level of court where you will be tired. Laws in effect in individual states will not apply to other states, so federal laws will apply when state laws conflict with each other. For example, each state has its own gun laws. It will become a federal issue if you legally purchase a gun in one state and choose to sell it illegally in another state. In the two, there are different career opportunities available. To summarize, federal laws apply to everyone; while in the state in which the crime was committed, state laws apply. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Choosing a career path in criminal justice can be a difficult decision. The first thing you'll need to decide is whether you want to work for a federal or state agency. The purpose of state agencies is to uphold the laws of a given domain, investigate local crimes, and provide patrol within their jurisdiction. If you were to become a state police officer, like a state trooper, you will work for a state agency. Some of the duties performed by the state police include highway patrol and assisting with statewide investigations. Working for a federal agency will include multiple tasks. These departments are overseen by the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security. If you were to choose a career path as an FBI agent, you will work at the federal level. There are 12 federal law enforcement agencies, with the FBI listed as the best to work with. By choosing to work as an FBI agent, you will work to protect and defend the United States from terrorist and foreign intelligence threats. Overall, there are several career paths to choose from for working in law enforcement. Choosing the level to work for could be a difficult decision as many tasks are similar. Both include tasks such as maintaining public order and safety and arresting people suspected of criminal transgressions. The main functions of both are to enforce laws, maintain public order and manage public safety. The primary duties of law enforcement include the investigation, arrest, and detention of individuals suspected of criminal wrongdoing. You will need to decide whether to work at the federal or state level and understand the tasks you will need to perform to better serve the community.