Dialogue Among State Supreme Courts : Advancing State Constitutionalism

State supreme courts use state constitutional provisions to afford their citizens state constitutional rights beyond the protections that the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the U.S. Constitution to require. As state supreme courts consider expanding state constitutional rights they engage in an ongoing dialogue with their sister state supreme courts. Results indicate this dialogue amongst state supreme courts influences decisions interpreting state constitutional rights. Denniston demonstrates through analysis of state supreme court decisions and interviews with state supreme court justices the impact of this dialogue on state supreme court decision making.