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."
Deo v. Parish
Held that state courts have subject matter jurisdiction in criminal cases against an indigenous person in “Indian Country” and defendants must object based on personal and territorial jurisdiction
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
Antero Treatment LLC v. Veolia Water Technologies
Held that statutory bond cap that supersedes court rule setting bond as a percentage of the judgment does not infringe on supreme court's rulemaking authority
In re: Legislator Interest in State Contracts
South Dakota Supreme Court issued advisory opinion at Governor's request, clarifying the breadth of a constitutional prohibition on state legislators having an interest in state contracts
Planned Parenthood v. Florida
Held that the state's abortion restrictions do not violate the constitution’s right to privacy
Treat v. Stitt
Held that state legislators did not violate the state constitution by issuing extensions on existing tribal compacts related to tobacco taxes and motor vehicle fees. The Oklahoma governor had argued his office has exclusive authority to negotiate contracts between tribes and the state.
Mellowitz v. Ball State University
Upheld law prohibiting class actions against postsecondary educational institutions to recover losses stemming from Covid-19
People v. Debellis
Ruled that defense counsel was ineffective for failing to request charge on the only defense supported by the trial testimony
People v. Rodriguez
Held that a bicycle stop is a seizure and that police may not initiate encounters with bicyclists absent reasonable suspicion of crime or probable cause of traffic violation
Montana Democratic Party v. Jacobsen
Held unconstitutional laws eliminating election day registration and limiting acceptable forms of identification for voting
