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.
Filters
Giving Meaning to Georgia’s ‘Social Status’ Clause
Getting Racial Bias Off the Jury
NC Supreme Court Upholds Law Barring People on Probation and Parole from Voting
The Racist History of State Constitutions Taking Voting Rights from People Convicted of Crimes
Two court decisions raise questions about whether modifying discriminatory provisions can wash away their dubious histories.
Washington Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to State Voting Rights Act
Oral argument is set for May 11 in a challenge under the 14th Amendment and state constitution.
North Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Law 5 Months After Striking It Down
Ohio Supreme Court Hears Argument on Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender Ohioans
Washington Supreme Court Changes the Balance of Power Between Passengers and Police on Public Transit