When a case can’t be properly resolved by lower court systems, federal courts determine a verdict. Federal courts handle many criminal cases, some of which can be truly bizarre. Some of the strangest federal crimes that have made their way into federal courtrooms include:
- Airplane Stowaway: In 2014, a teenager managed to sneak into the wheel well of a Hawaiian Airlines plane and survived a five-and-a-half-hour flight from California to Hawaii. The incident raised concerns about airport security and highlighted the dangers of stowing away on an aircraft.
Video Source - D.B. Cooper: One of the most famous unsolved cases involves D.B. Cooper. He hijacked a plane in 1971 and demanded $200,000 in ransom. After receiving the money, Cooper parachuted from the aircraft and was never seen again. According to DailyMail, a case was filed against the FBI to release the pertinent information regarding the case.
- Animal Smuggling: Federal courts have also dealt with cases involving the smuggling of exotic animals. From smuggling reptiles hidden in luggage to trafficking rare birds, these crimes highlight the illicit trade of wildlife and the potential harm it poses to ecosystems.
While these cases are unusual, they remind us of the diverse range of federal crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction. Understanding their jurisdiction can help people determine if they need to pursue further legal action beyond the lower levels of court. The federal court system handles high-profile cases and those that are out of the ordinary, showcasing the complexity and breadth of the criminal justice system.
For more information about federal crimes, please review the attached video.