Supreme Court of Maryland
2022 Legislative Districting
August 31, 2022481 Md. 507
Summary
The opinion reviews constitutional challenges to Maryland's 2022 legislative districting plan and explains that the Court's task is to determine compliance with constitutional requirements, not to select a preferable map. It holds that challengers must overcome the plan's presumption of validity with compelling evidence, and that the evidence presented concerning compactness, contiguity, natural and political boundaries, and the use of delegate subdistricts was insufficient. The opinion also recognizes legislative privilege over inquiries into legislators' and staff members' legislative conduct and communications concerning mapmaking.