Do “Junk Science” Convictions Violate Due Process?
The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled that a conviction obtained using later-discredited scientific evidence is unconstitutional; relief in these situations depends on state law.
State Court Report
Information and commentary about state courts and state constitutions.
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Two Ballot Measures to Watch in August
Voters in Kansas and Missouri will consider state constitutional amendments that would give more power over the scope of rights to the state legislatures.
What This Year's U.S. Supreme Court Term Means for State Courts
The Court’s decisions on religious liberties, transgender rights, gun restrictions, and more have significant implications for state lawmakers, courts, and constitutions.
250 Years of State Constitutions
Early state charters are essential to understanding the American founding.
Redistricting Litigation Heats Up
In the wake of Callais, state courts are weighing a growing number of redistricting disputes.
Kentucky High Court Blocks Judicial Impeachment
The state supreme court’s decision asserted judicial authority at a moment when courts’ independence has been under assault across the country.
Pennsylvania's Groundbreaking Ruling Limiting Mandatory Life Sentences
Breaking with decades of precedent, the court ruled that mandatory life without parole for felony murder violates the state constitution’s ban on “cruel punishments.”
State Courts Interpret the Meaning of Public Education
The Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision striking down the state’s charter school law comes amid a broader wave of cases examining how state constitutions define the boundaries of school choice.
When Can States Prosecute Federal Agents?
Federal precedent permits such prosecutions in limited circumstances, but the legal bar remains high.
Federalism and State Constitutional Rights in 2026
The killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent thrust into the spotlight questions about when and how states can hold federal officials accountable.