Reno v. Bossier Parish School Board — Souter, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part

Summary

Justice Souter dissents from the Court’s holding that § 5 of the Voting Rights Act is indifferent to a racially discriminatory purpose so long as a change in voting law is not meant to diminish minority voting strength below its existing level. He argues that the statute prohibits any voting plan with a discriminatory purpose, including nonretrogressive dilutive intent. He agrees with the Court on mootness but rejects its interpretation of purpose. Justices Stevens, Ginsburg, and Breyer join this dissent; separate dissents by Breyer and Stevens and a concurrence by Thomas are also filed.