State Case Database
Search State Court Report's database of significant state supreme court decisions and pending cases. Download decisions and briefs for cases that develop state constitutional law. This is a selected database and does not include every state supreme court case. See methodology and "How to Use the State Case Database" for more information.
This database is updated monthly, although individual cases may be updated more frequently. Last updated comprehensively with cases decided through June 2025.
Featured Cases
Hoke County Board of Education v. State of North Carolina
The North Carolina Supreme Court overturned its own precedent and put an end to more than 30 years of litigation involving the funding of public education in the state.
Commonwealth v. Lee
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that mandating a life sentence, without the possibility of parole, for “felony murder” — a legal doctrine that allows someone to be prosecuted for murder for any death that occurs during the commission of a separate felony, even if the defendant never meant to kill anyone — violates the Pennsylvania Constitution’s ban on “cruel” punishments
Luther v. Hoskins
The Missouri Supreme Court rejected voters' challenge to Missouri's new congressional district map, which the plaintiffs said ran afoul of state constitutional prohibitions on mid-decade redistricting. The court said the state constitution contained no express prohibition on mid-decade redistricting and that the map was a "valid exercise" of the "plenary legislative power to establish congressional districts."
Texas Department of Family & Protective Services v. Grassroots LeaderShip, Inc.
Held that there is no “public-interest exception” to mootness under the Texas Constitution
Spencer v. State
Held that gag order violated state free speech protections and was unconstitutionally vague under federal constitution.
Stewart v. Ramczyk
Held that New Mexico’s Speech and Debate Clause grants legislators immunity for legitimate legislative acts, regardless of motive
State v. Zarella
Held that in-camera review of confidential or privileged private records requires a compelling justification and proof the information cannot be obtained elsewhere
State v. Labrum
Held that due process permits refiling of criminal charges previously dismissed for insufficient evidence if refiling was not done in bad faith or to harass the defendant
Jackson v. Florida
Florida Supreme Court upheld a 2023 law that permits eligible defendants to be sentenced to death on the recommendation of only 8 of 12 jurors
Commonwealth v. Anthony Lewis
Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to adopt stringent test for the evidence required to designate an area “high crime” in order for that circumstance to be a factor in whether reasonable suspicion exists for a police stop, leaving it to the discretion of the supression court.
Knight v. Fontes
Arizona Supreme Court held the retention election process for intermediate appellate judges does not violate the "free and equal" elections clause or equal privileges and immunities provision
League of Women Voters of Greeley v. Board of County Commissioners of City of Weld
Held that the Colorado Constitution's Home Rule provision does not authorize counties to disregard state redistricting statutes
McVay v. Cockroft
Oklahoma Supreme Court will consider whether a law making it harder for citizen initiative petitions to qualify for the ballot violates citizens' state constitutional initative, free speech, and equal protection rights.
