ABSTRACT
Despite sweeping increases in the power of the central government relative to the 50 states, the United States remains a federation in form. For violent crimes not connected to organized crime, including rape, offences are reported to, and investigated by, city or state police. Charging decisions are made by state prosecutors, who are usually organized into regional offices at county level. When charges are filed, cases are decided in felony trial courts, again organs of the particular state and again typically organized at the county level. Those convicted may appeal to higher courts within the state, and, if the accused asserts a claim under the federal constitution, to the Supreme Court of the United States. For crimes committed in US territory not under the jurisdiction of any state, such as the District of Columbia or tribal reservations, cases are investigated, prosecuted and tried by federal officers.
