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Civil Rights
State constitutions guarantee equality, freedom from discrimination, fair treatment under the law, and a broad range of other civil rights. Issues that regularly crop up in state court include discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, or disability, abuses of power by government actors, as well as the availability of monetary damages for such state constitutional violations.
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State Constitutions Have a Role to Play in the Housing Crisis
Voters in multiple states approved constitutional amendments last year to address housing affordability and access.
Washington Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Ban on Large-Capacity Magazines
The court must navigate confusing U.S. Supreme Court precedent in evaluating the ban.
State Court Cases to Look for in 2025
Courts across the country will issue major rulings this year that will impact abortion rights, criminal justice, and more.
What the SCOTUS Term Means for State Courts
Some of the Court’s most important holdings — including on abortion, gun restrictions, and presidential immunity — have implications for state courts and constitutions.
California Lawsuits Test Boundaries of the Right to Protest
Students and faculty have sued UCLA and UC Santa Cruz for shutting down encampments.
Can Sanctuary Cities Survive the Second Trump Administration?
Whether local governments must comply with federal immigration policy largely depends on state law.
Iowa High Court Adds to Confusion Over New Right-to-Bear-Arms Amendment
The court issued a divided decision upholding the state’s gun rights restoration process.
Using State Constitutional Protections to Improve Life Behind Bars
Rulings in Oregon and Utah offer a road map for other state courts.