Supreme Court of the United States · 1982 · Constitutional Law
Constitutional LawEqual ProtectionVoting RightsAt-large electionsat-large votingvote dilutiondiscriminatory purposeequal access to political processes
Facts
Burke County used an at-large system to elect its governing officials. The District Court found that this system had been maintained for the purpose of denying Black citizens equal access to the county's political processes. The Court of Appeals agreed with that essential finding. As relief, the District Court ordered the use of single-member districts, and no special circumstances were found counseling against that remedy.
Issue
Whether the lower courts erred in finding that Burke County's at-large electoral system had been maintained for the purpose of denying Black citizens equal access to the political process, and whether ordering single-member districts was a permissible remedy.
Rule
A constitutional violation is established where an at-large electoral system is maintained for the purpose of denying Black citizens equal access to political processes. When such a violation is found, a remedy does not exceed the violation if it is tailored to cure the condition that offends the Constitution.
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One of 10 multiple-choice questions for this case. Pick an answer to see why.
In Pine Harbor County, South Carolina, the county board is elected at large. After a bench trial, the federal district court finds that county officials have kept the at-large system in place for the purpose of denying Black residents equal access to the county's political processes, and the court orders a new election plan.
Which is the strongest basis for concluding that the county's at-large system violates the Constitution?
Explanation. The controlling rule is that an at-large electoral system violates the Constitution when it is maintained for the purpose of denying Black citizens equal access to political processes. The majority opinion, as provided, treats discriminatory purpose in maintaining the system as the constitutional trigger, not mere disparate impact, longevity, or the availability of a more favorable alternative.