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 August 2025.
Featured Cases
McDougle v. Scott
Virginia Supreme Court, in a split decision, nullified a constitutional amendment approved by voters that would have redrawn the state's congressional districts, finding the legislative process used for the amendment violated the state constitution
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
T.F. and B.F. v. Kettle Moraine School District
Trial court held that district's policy of permitting and affirming student requests to transition to a different gender identity at school, without parental consent, violates parents' fundamental due process right to make healthcare decisions for their children. Court relied on expert testimony that living a "double life" with different gender identities at home and at school is "'inherently psychologically unhealthy'" for children.
In re State
Granted motion for temporary injunction, prohibiting the County’s plan to use federal funds for $500 monthly cash payments to residents because it could violate the state constitution's prohibition on gratuitous payments
Held v. Montana
Held that Montana’s policy of excluding greenhouse gas emissions and related climate impacts from environmental reviews of fossil fuel projects violated the state constitution’s guarantee of a clean and healthful environment.
State v. Autele
Held that trial courts have discretion to determine whether the state constitutional right to be represented by retained counsel of choice is outweighed by other considerations, including ethical requirements or the potential for undue delay and disruption of trial
Bienvenu v. Defendant 1
Vacated prior ruling and held that a statute, which retroactively revived certain prescribed child sex abuse claims for limited three-year period, did not conflict with state constitutional substantive due process protection against disturbing vested rights
Roman Realty, LLC v. The City of Morgantown
Ruled that the state constitution's takings clause does not require an eminent domain proceeding be initiated to ascertain just compensation, merely that just compensation must be paid
State v. Barr
Held that the mandatory consecutive sentence requirement in the Idaho Code did not violate the separation of powers provision of the Idaho Constitution
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
State v. Tran
Ruled that the Hawaii constitutional provision allowing the legislature to define jury unanimity required for a conviction of continuous sexual assault against a minor below 14 years of age did not violate Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution
Navahine F. v. Hawaii 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.
