Easley v. Cromartie

Summary

The Supreme Court reversed the three‑judge district court’s finding that race was the predominant factor in drawing North Carolina’s 1997 12th Congressional District, holding that the evidence did not meet the demanding burden required to prove an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The Court emphasized that registration data and the correlation between race and political affiliation were insufficient, and that the direct evidence did not show race predominated over legitimate political goals. Justice Thomas dissented, arguing that the majority improperly applied clear‑error review.