Which doctrine governs conflicts between federal and state statutes?

The doctrine that governs conflicts between federal and state statutes is known as preemption. This principle arises from the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a direct conflict between the two. Preemption can occur in various forms, including express preemption, where federal law explicitly states its intent to override state law, and implied preemption, which occurs when federal regulation is so comprehensive that it leaves no room for state regulation.

In situations where state laws conflict with federal statutes, courts often find that the federal law is controlling, thereby rendering state laws invalid in those specific instances. This doctrine ensures a uniform application of laws across the country in areas where federal legislation is intended to have an exclusive mandate.

Other concepts listed, although related, do not specifically address the issue of conflicts between federal and state statutes. Precedent refers to judicial decisions that guide future cases within the same jurisdiction; jurisdiction deals with the authority of a court to hear a case; and the Supremacy Clause establishes the overall hierarchy of laws but does not in itself resolve conflicts, which is the role of preemption.