State Court Report with Alicia Bannon

Introducing State Court Report EDU

A one-stop shop to help law students learn about state courts and constitutions.

Aug 27 • Alicia Bannon

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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…

Aug 13 • Alicia Bannon

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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…

Aug 3 • Alicia Bannon

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July 2026

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…

Jul 8 • Alicia Bannon

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June 2026

250 Years of State Constitutions

Early state charters are essential to understanding the American founding.

Jun 24 • Alicia Bannon

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May 2026

Redistricting Litigation Heats Up

In the wake of Callais, state courts are weighing a growing number of redistricting disputes.

May 21 • Alicia Bannon

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April 2026

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.

Apr 28 • Alicia Bannon

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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…

Apr 7 • Brennan Center

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March 2026

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…

Mar 6 • Alicia Bannon

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January 2026

When Can States Prosecute Federal Agents?

Federal precedent permits such prosecutions in limited circumstances, but the legal bar remains high.

Jan 29 • Alicia Bannon

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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…

Jan 15 • Alicia Bannon

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December 2025

2025’s Most Significant State Constitutional Cases

Leading legal thinkers weighed in on the state constitutional rulings our readers should know about from this past year.

Dec 22, 2025 • Alicia Bannon

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