Quinn Yeargain

Legal experts identified the most important cases that advanced state constitutional rights this year. 

The U.S. Supreme Court’s holding that the disarmament of a domestic abuser was not unconstitutional could incentivize gun-rights advocates to bring their claims in state court.

Even if the U.S. Supreme Court decides that bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth are constitutional, state courts can strike down such laws under state constitutions.

A Florida appellate court is set to determine whether a statewide office created in the 1980s by constitutional amendment to combat organized crime can prosecute someone accused of voting while ineligible. 

Last year the Georgia Supreme Court rejected one challenge to a six-week abortion ban, but additional state constitutional challenges continue to wind through the lower courts.

Ohio’s legislature passed a law that eliminates most of the state board of education’s powers, potentially violating the Ohio Constitution.

Though advocates have found early success in federal courts, they may find even more effective ways to protect LGBTQ+ rights through state courts.

Two court decisions raise questions about whether modifying discriminatory provisions can wash away their dubious histories.

Most state constitutions include a right to bail, but amendments have limited those rights over time.