“State Capture” and the Role of State Courts
State constitutions offer powerful tools for combatting control of state and local institutions by private interests.
Cases, Courts, and Constitutions Across the 50 States
The South Dakota Constitution: “Under God the People Rule” — But All the People?
A long history of Indigenous exclusion has undermined the state’s democratic ideals.
Florida Judge Refuses to Temporarily Block New State Congressional Map
Voting rights groups claim the new map, expected to result in four additional Republican seats, violates the Florida Constitution’s ban on partisan gerrymandering.
The Supervisory Power of State Supreme Courts, Explained
High courts’ authority to make rules on topics both mundane and profound can have substantial implications for civil rights and liberties.
Perhaps Unexpectedly, State Constitutions Sometimes Offer Narrower Rights than the U.S. Constitution
The Ohio Supreme Court recently held that the state right to counsel is not as robust as its federal counterpart.
Commentary
Habeas and Happy the Elephant
A Bronx Zoo elephant that died last week was made famous in litigation over whether habeas corpus can be used to challenge the confinement of nonhuman animals.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in June
Issues on the dockets include crossover voting, a gun ban for young adults, transgender prisoners, and court reporter shortages.