Federal Law In State Courts (Reverse Erie)

A. Supremacy Clause

When a federal claim is brought in a state court, the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution (Art. VI) compels the application of federal law.

B. Federal Defense

A federal right may be relevant to a state action if it is interposed as a defense to a state action.

C. Superseding State Law

State rules of procedure must not be followed if they impose unnecessary burdens on federal rights of recovery (see Brown v. Western Ry. of Alabama).