Lockstep or Step Alone: Considering Interpretations of the Federal Constitution When Interpreting State Constitutions

Many state constitutional provisions are worded similarly to provisions of the federal Constitution. At times, this has led some to simply assume as binding or highly persuasive the interpretations of the latter on the former. But to what degree should interpretations of the United States Constitution inform a particular state’s interpretation of its own foundational document? We hosted a lively discussion of this important issue by a distinguished panel.Featuring:--Judge David R. Stras, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit--Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit--Associate Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren, Georgia Supreme Court--Justice Clint Bolick, Arizona Supreme Court--Moderator: Justice Sarah K. Campbell, Tennessee Supreme Court