Davis v. Bandemer
United States Supreme Court
478 U.S. 109 (1986)
Relevant factsFree
Indiana's Republican-controlled legislature adopted a reapportionment plan with equally populated districts but a mix of single- and multi-member districts that Democrats (plaintiffs) argued diluted their voting strength; in the first election under the plan, Democrats won a majority of the statewide vote but only a minority of legislative seats. The district court found an equal protection violation and granted relief; Davis (defendant) appealed to the Supreme Court.
IssueFree
Whether political gerrymandering that affects a political party's ability to win an election, absent a history of such negative effects, violates the Equal Protection Clause.