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Hawaii High Court Sides with Native Community Groups in Water Dispute
The decision bolsters Hawaii’s public trust framework, a legal doctrine establishing that natural resources must be protected for public use.
Gulf Shores City Board of Education v. Mackey
Held that local act that earmarked portion of local taxes to county school board did not violate the constitutional principle of equality of taxation
Threats to State Constitutional Abortion Protections
Even where voters pass abortion rights amendments, lawmakers and judges can undermine rights.
State Justices Speak Out Against Originalism
State supreme courts are increasingly a venue for debate over history’s role in constitutional interpretation.
Owens v. People
Upheld a conviction in a high-profile murder case, where the defendant, Sir Mario Owens, appealed based on many alleged errors, including racial bias in jury selection.
Faatz v. Ashcroft
Affirmed an appeals court ruling that the Missouri Senate redistricting plan met constitutional requirements.
LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine
Held that wrongful death statute applies to embryos stored as part of IVF procedure
Zurawski v. Texas
Held that the language in state abortion laws allowing abortions when the life of the mother is threatened is adequate to protect the health of the patient and constitutional. Plaintiffs claimed prohibition on abortions in the case of medical emergencies would violate the due course of law clause and guarantees of equal rights and privileges and equality based on sex.
The U.S. Supreme Court's Declining State Case Docket
So far, only 2 out of 28 cases on the high court’s docket arise from state courts, a surprisingly low number given the regularity with which state courts hear cases implicating federal rights.
