Supreme Court of the United States
Reno v. Bossier Parish School Board
January 24, 2000528 U.S. 320
Summary
The Court held that § 5 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits preclearance only when a redistricting plan has a retrogressive purpose or effect. It affirmed the District Court's grant of preclearance for the Bossier Parish School Board's plan, concluding that a discriminatory but nonretrogressive purpose does not violate § 5. Justice Souter, Stevens, and Breyer dissented, arguing § 5 should bar plans with discriminatory purposes regardless of retrogression.
Holding
- Does § 5 prohibit preclearance of a plan with discriminatory but nonretrogressive purpose?. No, § 5 covers only retrogressive dilution.
Docket 98-405
Cited authorities
- 79 Stat. 439
- 30 FR 9897
- 28 C.F.R. § 51.52
- 7 U.S.C. § 192
- 47 U.S.C. § 541
- 42 U.S.C. § 1973