The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s primary role is to interpret the state constitution and ensure that laws and government actions comply with it.
The "Declaration of Rights" is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights and lists the basic civil liberties of Pennsylvania citizens.
Amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution require approval by the state legislature and then must be ratified by a majority vote of the electorate.
The Pennsylvania Constitution offers broader protections for equality, including specific provisions against discrimination in various areas.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court applies strict scrutiny to cases involving free speech under the state constitution, meaning that any restriction must serve a compelling state interest and be narrowly tailored.
