Erin Geiger Smith

Eight justices told us how they thought they would spend their lives. Most never imagined they would become judges. 

Through ballot measures, voters expressed policy preferences on issues including abortion, drug legalization, and same-sex marriage.

Abortion-rights ballot measures failed in three other states, including Nebraska, where voters instead amended the constitution to limit abortion access. 

Efforts to disqualify mail-in ballots and unfounded allegations of voter fraud dominated post-election litigation in 2020. Similar efforts are possible this month.

Voters will decide whether to amend their state constitutions with measures focusing on abortion, election procedures, minimum wage policy, and more. 

The rules would have encouraged county officials to refuse to certify election results in violation of state law.

The ruling denies the Republican National Committee’s appeal arguing that Pennsylvanians should not have a second chance to vote if their mail-in ballots are disqualified because they made a mistake

The ruling comes months after Nebraska’s secretary of state blocked those with felony convictions from registering. 

Issues on the dockets include mail-in voting, line-item vetoes, and life-without-parole sentences.

Pariente spoke about abortion rights and the importance of respecting precedent.  

As the school year kicks off, eight justices reflect on what they wish someone had told them when they were in law school. 

The plaintiffs say the rules are meant to delay or prevent certification of accurate and fair elections. 

For third parties and independent candidates, ballot qualification is often a difficult journey.

As the election nears, courts across the country are hearing challenges to measures making it easier to vote. 

The court said the ban does not infringe on parents’ right to choose medical care for their children.

Plaintiffs who suffered severe physical and emotional harm after being denied abortions claimed the medical exceptions to the ban are unclear and unconstitutional.

State Court Report spoke with counsel for the plaintiffs challenging Texas’s strict abortion ban — which the state supreme court just ruled was constitutional.

Issues on the dockets include early voting, rules for poll watchers, discretionary sentencing, and a climate change trial brought by young plaintiffs.

Rosenblatt spoke about the importance of closing the access-to-justice gap and the friendships he developed with his fellow judges.  

Liu spoke about how judicial decisions affect citizens, the state’s system of direct democracy, and the importance of educating law students about state courts.

Abortion law expert David Cohen talks about Arizona’s ongoing abortion litigation, a possible abortion amendment in the state, and the biggest threats to abortion rights nationwide.

Issues on the dockets include voting restrictions, gun regulations, and free speech rights.

Jefferson spoke about judicial independence, the under-funding of courts, and the need for greater access to counsel. 

The court appears poised to leave in place the law, which returns the right to vote to as many as 60,000 people.

If approved, the changes could leave election administration underfunded and understaffed. 

Issues on the dockets include voting rights, abortion rights, and separation of powers.

Laws curbing same-day registration and student ID use could stifle youth voter turnout.

The state supreme court is revisiting its 2022 ruling requiring the legislature to allocate funds to ensure children receive a constitutionally adequate education. 

Ten states will have abortion-related measures on the November ballot; most would amend their state constitutions to either affirm or expand protection for abortion care. 

Families of transgender children are asking the court to reinstate a temporary injunction blocking the ban.