United States v. Hays

Summary

The Court held that plaintiffs challenging Louisiana's congressional redistricting plan lacked standing because they did not reside in the allegedly racially gerrymandered district and had not otherwise demonstrated that they personally suffered racial discrimination. It vacated the District Court's judgment and remanded with instructions to dismiss the complaint. Justice O'Connor wrote the Court's opinion. Justice Breyer, joined by Justice Souter, concurred only to the extent the opinion addressed voters residing outside the district they challenged. Justice Stevens concurred in the judgment, reasoning that plaintiffs had not alleged or proved that the districting substantially disadvantaged any group of voters in influencing the political process. Justice Ginsburg concurred in the judgment without a separate writing.