“Let the lawsuits begin: Advocates pivot strategy following Voting Rights Act ruling”
NBC News looks to the lawsuits. I mentioned the chance of increased litigation (with increased costs borne by all) here.
All posts by Justin Levitt
Congressional response to Shelby County
The Hill discusses early steps on the “John Lewis Voting Rights Act.”
And CNN has a noncommittal statement on Congressional action from House Judiciary Chair Bob Goodlatte.
Compilation of Shelby County statements
Glenn Sugameli, at Judging the Environment, has put together a thorough compilation of statements and reactions to Shelby County from officials and editorial boards. Researchers investigating the immediate media reaction to Shelby County will likely find this list of … Continue reading
Literacy tests from the 60s
This isn’t a news item, but rather a collection of actual literacy tests from the 60s.
This Slate piece linked to this site hosted by the Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement, and their collection of literacy tests. As… Continue reading
“Roberts Says High Court Asks Too Many Questions”
Chief Justice Roberts, speaking in West Virginia, offered some critique of the Court’s own style during oral argument. Apparently, “Roberts suggested lawyers not even try to respond when the justices posed rapid-fire questions.”
Students: this does not mean you can… Continue reading
Infographic shows alignment of Justices over 2012-2013 Term
The Washington Post has this handy infographic on The Nine. Moving the cursor lets you see the percentage of opinions in which each Justice agreed with his or her colleagues. Purely personally, I find it more instructive to “view all… Continue reading
“Democrats Get a Gift From the Roberts Court”
Ross Douthat’s latest column follows the “backlash” narrative: if the aftermath of Shelby County sees more laws marginally increasing burdens for some, that will inspire greater compensatory turnout from others.
Two short notes on this argument. First, voters aren’t fungible. … Continue reading
“The Real John Roberts Emerges”
Linda Greenhouse offers thoughts on the use of the Court’s cert. power, including Shelby County.
All About Redistricting back on track
Some of you may have noticed that it’s been something of a busy week in the world of election law (and beyond).
What with trying to keep up with the flood of news and reaction and commentary and speculation here… Continue reading
Redistricting road for Texas state Senate map comes to an end
Readers may remember that, almost exactly two years ago, Texas decided to seek preclearance for its redistricting plans — including the state Senate plan — in a DC federal court, rather than submitting the plans to the Department of Justice. … Continue reading
The Weekly Standard on the aftermath of Shelby County
Unsurprisingly, a take somewhat different from that of the NY Times. Surprisingly, in pointing out that things are not “just fine” in Boston and Cook County, it seems to be calling for enhanced federal (or at least statewide) action.
NY Times on aftermath of Shelby County
The editorial board suggests work ahead for the DOJ and for Congress — including proposals for a constitutional amendment.
Tracking the geography of racism
This Mother Jones story discusses this new paper by Chris Elmendorf and Doug Spencer, trying to tease out distinctions among jurisdictions potentially relevant to a new VRA coverage formula.
Joey Fiskin discusses the SCOTUS opinions of the week
Yet again, worth a read. The title of his Balkinization piece:
Q. What’s worse than discrimination? (A) Accusations of bigotry. (B) Stopping discrimination.
More here.