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Constitutional Law,
U.S. Supreme Court

Jun. 3, 2024

US Supreme Court rules that race, if not a predominant factor, can be used in political district mapping

The Court ruled that challenges to a re-districting map must establish that “race was the predominant factor motivating the legislature’s decision to place a significant number of voters within or without a particular district.” The Court further noted that the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits a state from engaging in racial gerrymandering unless it satisfies strict scrutiny.

Philip M. Howe

Howe is a member of the California and Massachusetts State Bars, having last practiced in California in 2019.

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The U.S. Supreme Court on May 23, 2024, ruled in a 6-3 decision, with Justice Alito writing for the majority, that race may be used in drawing up the map for a political district as long as it is not the “predominating motivating factor.” [Page 1.] Alexander v. South Carolina N.A.A.C.P., 602 U.S.____ (2024).

Redistricting

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