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."
Associated Press v. Usher
Holding that the public's right to observe public body deliberations is not violated when the body intentionally avoids a quorum to shield deliberations from public view
State v. Lilly
Held that jury management practices may violate the right to a jury comprising a cross-section of the community if those practices cause the systemic exclusion of a particular group
Matter of Congressional Districts by New Jersey Redistricting Commission
Upheld congressional district reapportionment plan as meeting state and federal equal protection and due process requirements
Detroit Caucus v. Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
Ruled that congressional and legislative district reapportionment plans adopted by independent commission satisfy the state constitution's redistricting provisions
State v. Reeves
Held that once a defendant has waived their self-representation right by proceeding to trial with counsel, the trial court may deny a later request for self-representation
State v. Reed
Ruled attorney’s fees are recoverable as restitution only when attorney is reasonably necessary to assist victim in exercising rights in a criminal case
Sagoonick v. State
Dismissed equal protection, substantive due process, and public trust rights claims that state energy policies violate individual fundamental right to Alaska’s natural resources and a stable climate
Durst v. Idaho Commission for Reapportionment
Determined that legislative reapportionment plan did not unreasonably divide counties as the state constitution prohibits
League of Women Voters of Michigan v. Secretary of State
Held a geographic distribution requirement for petition signatures was unconstitutional, but allowing a checkbox indicating whether the petition circulator was paid or volunteer
State v. Carr
Upheld death sentence as not violating right to life and jury trial rights under state constitution
