ng 1. Can a Michigan trial court decide an issue of federal law? Why or why not? 2. Can a U.S. district court (a federal court) in California decide an issue of California state law? Why or why not? 3. Must the U.S. Circuit of Appeals for the First Circuit follow a trial court decision of the same circuit concerning a federal issue? Why or why not? 4. Must a Rhode Island trial court follow a decision of the U.S. Supreme Court concerning an issue of federal law? Why or why not? 5. What is precedent and why is it important? 6. What is dicta? When would you use it? Why is it important? 7. What are your research goals? 8. What type of authority is a decision of a Missouri trial court