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 February 2025.
Featured Cases
LeMieux v. Evers
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will address the scope of Gov. Tony Evers’s state constitutional authority to approve spending bills passed by the legislature only “in part,” by line-item vetoing other parts.
People v. Taylor; People v. Czarnecki
Michigan Supreme Court held that mandatory life-without-parole sentences violate the state constitution’s protection against “cruel or unusual” punishment for anyone under age 21 at the time of the offense. The decision extends the court’s 2022 ruling in People v. Parks that such sentences are unconstitutional for those 18 or under.
N'Da v. Hybl
Nebraska Supreme Court held that statutory requirement that applicant seeking certificate to provide nonemergency medical transport must show the proposed service is required by "public convenience and necessity" does not facially violate state constitutional due process or bans on "special laws" or laws granting "special privileges and immunities." Also held that that the Nebraska Constitution's due process and equal protection clauses are coextensive with their federal equivalents, so federal rational basis review applies to substantive due process challenges to economic regulations, not the heightened standard the court had applied in a line of cases from the early 20th century.
Stevens v. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ruled that legislature had appropriately delegated rulemaking authority over the use of familial DNA searches to Commission on Forensic Science
McKeithen v. City of Richmond
Ruled that statute’s escheat provision is unconstitutional as it allows for takings of property without compensation
State v. Reed
Ruled that police officers were required to advise defendant of her Miranda rights before questioning her in probation officer's office, which constituted "compelling circumstances"
Torres v. Jai Dining Services
Held that clause prohibiting abrogation of right to recover damages from injuries does not extend to actions first recognized after that clause was adopted
Fitz-James v. Ashcroft
Ruled that the descriptions of six ballot initiative petitions to amend the state constitution to protect abortion rights were “insufficient and unfair.”
State v. Kizer
Ruled that residents are entitled to a trial by jury when the government seeks to confiscate their property through civil forfeiture process
Johnson v. Wisconsin Elections Commission
Ruled redistricting disputes can only be judicially resolved to remedy a cognizable right and partisan gerrymandering claims are not cognizable under the state constitution
Arkansas Department of Education v. Jackson
Held that emergency clause in legislation complied with constitution's procedural requirements
State ex rel. Candelaria v. Grisham
Ruled that the legislative branch controlled the funds disbursed to the state under the federal American Rescue Plan Act because the law left significant discretion to the states
Tidwell v. Blaine County
Dismissed land use case for lack of standing, dissent argued that court should not use federal standing doctrine when state constitution has distinct language
