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
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
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
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
Byrd v. State
Held that a section of a law criminalizing homelessness in a bill about county financial statements violated single-subject requirements
Graham v. Adams
Rejected partisan gerrymandering claims as to congressional and state house districts
