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."
Planned Parenthood of Michigan v. Attorney General of the State of Michigan
Trial court permanently enjoined enforcement of a 1931 Michigan law criminalizing all abortions except those performed to save the mother's life, holding that the law violates abortion patients' fundamental right to bodily integrity under the state due process clause, as well as state equal protection.
State v. Hill
Held that while New Jersey's witness tampering statute was not unconstitutionally overbroad in violation of the First Amendment or the state constitution, it may have been unconstitutional as applied to defendant because he was prosecuted for tampering based on the content of his speech
State v. Fair
Ruled that prosecution for terroristic threats premised on a mens rea of recklessness was constitutionally sufficient to satisfy both the First Amendment and state constitution's affirmative right to free speech
State v. Wilson
Held that Hawaii's Constitution does not protect an individual right to keep and bear arms and, thus, provides no state right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.
Knopp v. Griffin-Valade
Upheld secretary of state’s interpretation of ballot measure disqualifying state legislators from seeking reelection if they accrued more than ten unexcused absences as applying to the legislator’s next term of office
Worthington v. Thunder
Ruled that when an issue of fact is presented by the pleadings in an unlawful detainer case, the right to a jury must be held inviolate
Idaho State Athletic Commission v. Office of the Administrative Rules Coordinator
Upheld law requiring legislative pre-approval of certain agency rules
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.
Allegheny Reproductive Health v. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Reinstated lawsuit challenging constitutionality of ban on Medicaid-funded abortion and announced that the ban must survive heightened scrutiny
Graham v. District Attorney for Hampden District
Held that the district attorney’s office breached its duty under the state due process clause to disclose evidence that could exculpate criminal defendants
