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."
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.
The Reverend Traci Blackmon v. Missouri
Plaintiffs claim that abortion ban and other restrictions violate the state constitution's protections for religious freedom
Faatz v. Ashcroft
Affirmed an appeals court ruling that the Missouri Senate redistricting plan met constitutional requirements.
McEwen v. Lee
Plaintiffs claim Tennessee's voucher program unlawfully diverts public education funds to private schools, undermining public schools' budgets and violating the state constitution's provisions for equitable education and local autonomy.
LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine
Held that wrongful death statute applies to embryos stored as part of IVF procedure
Hardy v. Chester Arms, LLC
Held that granting statutory immunity to firearms dealers for damages suits arising from use of products by third parties did not violate state constitutional rights to equal protection and to a remedy
Siger v. City of Chester
Ruled that the statutory authority granted to receiver over financially distressed city under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act superseded any authority granted by city's home-rule charter; the receiver's proposed initiatives were within his statutory and constitutional authority
King County v. Abernathy
Ruled that a right-of-way easement conveyed to railroad operator under the General Railroad Right-of-Way Act was not patented by the United States under the Washington State Constitution, so the state never disclaimed its ownership of the shoreland
State v. Santillanes
Held that the State has a constitutional right to appeal defendant's expungement order relating to a felony marijuana conviction because the order affects the State's substantial right to ensure defendants face the legal consequences of their actions
Planned Parenthood of Arizona v. Hazelrigg
Declared 160-year-old near-total ban on abortion enforceable, but stayed its decision while lower court considers additional arguments about the law's constitutionality
