Gomillion v. Lightfoot [1960]

364 U.S. 339 · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

State and Local Government Lawstate-and-local-government-lawState and Local Government LawRacial gerrymandering of municipal boundaries

Issue

Whether a state act that redefines municipal boundaries to remove Black voters violates the Fifteenth Amendment.

Held

Yes, it is a racial gerrymander that violates the Fifteenth Amendment.

Exam use

Summary

Whether a state act that redefines municipal boundaries to remove Black voters violates the Fifteenth Amendment.

Facts

Issue

Whether a state act that redefines municipal boundaries to remove Black voters violates the Fifteenth Amendment.

Held

Yes, it is a racial gerrymander that violates the Fifteenth Amendment.

Ratio Decidendi

A state may not redraw municipal boundaries in a way that intentionally discriminates against voters based on race.

Reasoning

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

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Reference to Gomillion v. Lightfoot (364 U.S. 339) strengthens a State and Local Government Law answer because the case reflects the principle that A state may not redraw municipal boundaries in a way that intentionally discriminates against voters based on race. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Whether a state act that redefines municipal boundaries to remove Black voters violates the Fifteenth Amendment. The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Underlying Concepts

  • state-and-local-government-law
  • State and Local Government Law
  • Racial gerrymandering of municipal boundaries
  • case authority
  • exam application

Significance

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