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."
State v. Bell
Ruled that COVID-19-related exclusion of spectators from courtroom, with broadcast in adjacent room, was a closure implicating defendant's constitutional right to a public trial
Mt. Clemens Recreational Bowl v. Director of the Department of Health & Human Services
Held that pandemic orders shutting food-service establishments did not constitute a takings
State v. Boyer
Ruled that search freely consented to by minor third-party, who had common authority over the premises, satisfies search and seizure clause
Rowe v. Raoul
Ruled that pretrial release laws abolishing monetary bail do not violate constitution's bail, crime victims' rights, or separation of powers clauses
Gascon v. the Association of Deputy District Attorneys for Los Angeles County
Intermediate court held that three strikes law's requirement that prosecutors plead and prove prior convictions that qualify defendants for longer sentences violates separation of powers
The Gym 24/7 Fitness LLC v. State of Michigan
Plaintiff claims that the temporary closure of fitness centers as a result of COVID-19-related executive orders constituted inverse condemnations and takings requiring compensation
Bradbury v. City of Lewiston
Ruled that city's interdepartmental fund transfers and payments to private entities did not violate constitution's restrictions on municipal indebtedness and donations
People v. Johnson
Dissents would have ruled that statute authorizing courts to impose costs to fund general court operating expenses violated separation of powers principles
Dotson v. State
Ruled that administrative review by court office and Chief Justice of post-conviction court's authorization of expert funds for indigent defendants does not violate separation of powers, judicial authority, or due process
People v. Edwards
Dissents would have ruled that statute authorizing courts to impose costs to fund general court operating expenses violated separation of powers principles
