Pennsylvania Faces a Moment of Truth for Life Without Parole
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is considering whether requiring life in prison without the possibility of parole for so-called felony murder is unconstitutional.
Cases, Courts, and Constitutions Across the 50 States
Colorado Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to ‘Felony-Murder’ Rule
The court disagreed that life in prison for a murder committed by an accomplice is an unconstitutionally cruel sentence.
Hawaii High Court Sides with Native Community Groups in Water Dispute
The decision bolsters Hawaii’s public trust framework, a legal doctrine establishing that natural resources must be protected for public use.
Threats to State Constitutional Abortion Protections
Even where voters pass abortion rights amendments, lawmakers and judges can undermine rights.
State Justices Speak Out Against Originalism
State supreme courts are increasingly a venue for debate over history’s role in constitutional interpretation.
Commentary
Former Ohio Chief Justice on Democracy, Gerrymandering, and Ukraine
In an interview, retired Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor spoke about her push for citizen-led redistricting in Ohio and recent trips to Ukraine advising on fair courts.
How Years of Legislative Maneuvering Shaped this Year’s Judicial Elections
The outcomes in races in Ohio and North Carolina will be determined in part by legislatures that altered election rules to benefit their allies.