I'm pretty sure that a federal court can look at a purely state law matter. I don't think that there has to be some kind of federal matter that brings the whole case before it as pendant jurisdiction. But, as I said, I might be remembering wrong...
Anyway, I'm sure this will all be forgotten tomorrow as we look at our future destiny.
No, a federal court can generally only get involved in a state matter if there is a federal issue, such as a federal due process or equal protection claim. The two District COurt judges ruled the state law unconstitutional based on the U.S. Constitution.
OK, thanks for the info. Anyway it looks like all these decisions being discussed here have gone our way, tomorrow is looking good.