Reno v. Bossier Parish School Board — Stevens, J., dissenting

Summary

Justice Stevens dissents from the Court’s holding that § 5 of the Voting Rights Act is indifferent to discriminatory purpose if the change is not retrogressive. He argues the plain language of the statute and Department of Justice interpretations support a separate purpose inquiry, and that the Beer retrogression standard for effects does not conflict with this. Justice Ginsburg joined this dissent. Separate opinions by Justices Souter, Breyer, and Thomas are included in this output.