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 May 2025.
Featured Cases
League of Women Voters of South Carolina v. Alexander
South Carolina Supreme Court held that partisan gerrymandering claims are nonjusticiable political questions, which state courts cannot review, under the state constitution.
League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature (LWV 1)
Utah Supreme Court sent partisan gerrymandering case back to lower court to consider whether the legislature violated voters' fundamental right to "reform or alter" their government when it overturned redistricting reforms passed by initiative. Lower court found legislators violated that right and struck the current congressional map.
Black Voters Matter v. Byrd
Florida Supreme Court upheld the state's 2022 congressional map against voting rights groups' challenge that it diminishes Black voters' ability to elect candidates of their choice in violation of a 2010 amendment, finding the plaintiffs had not proven the possibility of drawing a remedial map that complies with the federal equal protection clause.
State ex rel. Parson v. Walker
Held that statute governing Governor's power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons placed no limit on Governor's exclusive constitutional discretion over clemency matters
Navahine F. v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation
State reached settlement with plaintiffs who sued over the climate impact of the state transportation system. Under settlement, Hawaii must plan and implement carbon reduction plans; fund and complete green transportation projects; establish oversight unit in the transportation department; and involve youth in the process. The trial court has approved the settlement and has jurisdiction over any disputes that arise.
Foresman v. Foresman
The Hawaii Supreme Court will consider a law that reopened civil claims “based upon sexual acts” with a minor “that constituted or would have constituted a criminal offense” under certain statutes. At issue is whether the law can impose liability for acts that were not crimes when they were committed without violating federal and state constitutional bars against retroactive application of punishment.
Commonwealth v. Torsilieri
Held that Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act's presumption that adult sex offenders posed higher risk of recidivism did not violate due process
Bingham v. Gourley
Utah Supreme Court held that four-year statute of repose on medical malpractice claims does not violate the state constitution's open courts or "uniform operation of laws" clause or federal equal protection.
Preterm-Cleveland v. Yost
Filed, by abortion providers, a lawsuit claiming the state’s abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period to receive abortion care, violate the state constitution’s right to reproductive freedom.
In Re the State of Texas
The State of Texas requested that a Harris County guaranteed income program in that would use federal funds to disburse $500 cash payments (monthly, for 18 months) to 2,000 low-income county residents be paused as a lawsuit over the program proceeds in the trial court. The Texas Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction.
In re Covid-related Restrictions on Religious Services
Delaware Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of clergy members’ challenge to restrictions on religious gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic, finding plaintiffs did not establish irreparable harm for injunctive relief or standing for their declaratory claim, and the governor was immune from the damages claim.
Kanahele v. State
Held that the state's transfer of control over a mountain access road constituted a breach of its constitutional duty to carry out the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act
State of Washington v. Luthi
Held that an in-court holding cell, even during pretrial hearings when a jury is not present, undermines the presumption of innocence, limits defendants’ ability to confer confidentially with counsel, and is contrary to the “formal dignity” of the courtroom and treating defendants’ respectfully.
