A notorious Connecticut murder, a lawsuit involving Native American tribal lands and the Nutmeg State's possible foray into the legalization of recreational marijuana are among the major themes that will play out in courtrooms this year, making 2018 a potentially historic year for the state. Evolving from well-known stories that have made headlines in past years, decades and even centuries, the following five cases promise to be newsmakers again in 2018:

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation v. The State of Connecticut

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation's $610 million lawsuit against Connecticut concerning 2,000 acres of reservation land appropriated by the state in the 19th century is likely to be decided this year by the Connecticut Supreme Court.