The Case Was Remanded Back To The District Court For Further Development Of The Facts After The U.S. Supreme Court Found That Plaintiffs Failed To Establish Standing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee), issued the following statement Monday regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to remand Gill v. Whitford back to the District Court for further proceedings, ordering the plaintiffs to demonstrate standing.
“Once again, the Supreme Court has failed to provide long-awaited resolution and clarity on what constitutes unlawful gerrymandering. Resolution of these issues for both lawmakers and voters is critical as we rapidly approach the 2020 redistricting cycle. Unlawful partisan gerrymandering is inimical to our democracy. Elected officials must be chosen by the voters, not —as is the case with partisan gerrymanders —choose who should vote for them.
“As the case is now remanded to the district court for further development of the facts, we will remain vigilant to ensure that officials do not exploit this moment to alter redistricting maps in ways that undermine democracy.”
The Lawyers’ Committee filed an amicus curiae or “friend of the court” brief in this complicated case challenging the 2011 Wisconsin State Assembly redistricting plan, which brings to the forefront important questions regarding electoral map making and the ability of voters to have an influence in their representation. In Wisconsin, the redistricting map was struck down by a three-judge federal court panel for imposing “burdens on the representational rights of Democratic voters” in gerrymandered districts. While the Supreme Court has ruled that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional, it has not provided clear guidance regarding partisan gerrymandering.
Click here to read the Gill v. Whitford amicus brief filed in the United States Supreme Court by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
The Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 55th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights. For more information, please visit .
