The Many Versions of State Constitutional Lockstepping
The practice of interpreting state constitutions identically to their federal counterpart is often criticized in blanket terms. But the ways state courts lockstep vary widely.
Cases, Courts, and Constitutions Across the 50 States
Ohio Municipalities Win Expanded Procedural Rights in Firearms Case
The state supreme court held that cities may immediately appeal orders enjoining their ordinances.
“State Capture” and the Role of State Courts
State constitutions offer powerful tools for combatting control of state and local institutions by private interests.
Habeas and Happy the Elephant
A Bronx Zoo elephant that died last week was made famous in litigation over whether habeas corpus can be used to challenge the confinement of nonhuman animals.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in June
Issues on the dockets include crossover voting, a gun ban for young adults, transgender prisoners, and court reporter shortages.
Commentary
How State Courts Can Help Deflect the Supreme Court’s Latest Blow to Multiracial Democracy
State courts need not import a federal doctrine directing judges to avoid issuing rulings that could change election rules in the runup to an election.
The Maine Constitution: Like the State’s Population, Stubbornly Itself
The pragmatic 1820 document is one of the oldest still in use.