Federalism and State Constitutional Rights in 2026
The killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent thrust into the spotlight questions about when and how states can hold federal officials accountable.
Cases, Courts, and Constitutions Across the 50 States
Wyoming Supreme Court Strikes Down Laws Banning Abortion
The court ruled that laws criminalizing abortion violated the state’s “health care freedom” amendment, passed in 2012 to limit the reach of the Affordable Care Act.
Pennsylvania Rejects Federal “Administrative Warrants” and Restores Renters’ Privacy
A state appellate court’s decision underscores the continuing vitality of independent state constitutional law to reject federal doctrine — and to protect personal privacy.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in January
Issues on the dockets include legislative responses to Missouri’s voter-approved reproductive rights amendment, Utah’s execution methods, and Idaho’s school-choice program.
The Story of the First State Constitution
New Hampshire’s 1776 constitution and the story behind it set the stage for subsequent state constitutions over the next 250 years.
Commentary
Florida Supreme Court Refuses to End Non-Unanimous Death Verdicts
The state executed nearly four times as many people as any other state in 2025.
The Tennessee Constitution: “Least Imperfect and Most Republican of the State Constitutions”
The state’s 1870 constitution still governs, though suffrage battles, balance of power shifts, and changing political views have modernized it over time.