United States v. Lanza is a significant Supreme Court case that addressed the interplay between state and federal legal systems, particularly concerning the principle of double jeopardy. The case involved a bootlegger who was initially prosecuted in state court for violating Washington state’s prohibition laws and later faced federal charges under the Volstead Act, both based on the same actions. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of allowing the federal prosecution to proceed, indicating that state and federal jurisdictions operate independently and can pursue separate charges for the same conduct without violating the Fifth Amendment's double jeopardy clause. While this ruling has been upheld, it has drawn criticism for potentially undermining the protections against being tried twice for the same offense. The case exemplifies the complexities of legal jurisdiction in the United States and raises questions about the balance between state and federal law enforcement. Lanza remains a pivotal reference point in discussions about double jeopardy and jurisdictional overreach in the legal system.