Document: 407 U.S. 191 92 S.Ct. 1980 32 L.Ed.2d 648 Dorothy TAYLOR et al.v.John J. McKEITHEN, Governor of Louisiana, al. No. 71—784. June 12, 1972. PER CURIAM. 1 The 1970 self-reapportionment the Louisiana Legislature was challenged in this lawsuit on dual grounds that it offended both one-man, one-vote principle and prohibition against voting arrangements designed to dilute strength racial minorities. After United States Attorney General interposed an objection election law change under § 5 Voting Rights Act 1965, 79 Stat. 439, 42 U.S.C. 1973c, District Court appointed a Special Master prepare court-imposed plan. verbally instructed hold hearings devise proposal maintain integrity political subdivisions observe natural or historical boundaries 'as nearly as possible.' He also '(n)o consideration whatsoever be given location residence either incumbents office announced prospective candidates.' Opinion Judge West, Civil Action 71—234, Aug. 24, 1971. 2 held four days hearings, during which over 100 persons were heard. Proposed plans received by him. No one denied hearing. then submitted his recommendation after hearing adopted court. 3 This dispute involves only state senate seats affected reapportionment. At Master's proposal, State presented counterplan differed from with respect senatorial districts New Orleans area. Although judge found satisfied requirement, he two schemes their composition districts, is set out greater detail margin.1 Under General's scheme, 'safe' white proposed whereas design would have created slight majorities black voters. Also, each incumbent continue reside 'own' district, residences fall evenly between composed primarily voters, ensuring defeat for incumbents. 4 contended court's plan make hash traditional ward-and-precinct lines. acknowledged there some departure patterns but concluded "historical' reflect(ed) history discrimination. Adherence alluded objectors (had) been prime reason why negroes allowed sit last 75 years.' 333 F.Supp. 452, 462. court alternative 'operate diversify negro population throughout thus significantly vote' practically eliminate 'the possibility being elected any districts,' while court-approved woud at least give blacks 'a fair chance districts. . .' Id., 457. sought 'to protect rights people primary purpose Senators' appear(ed) protection holders.' 458. Accordingly, mentioned, recommendation. Despite Court's findings, however, Appeals reversed without opinion division Orleans. petitioners are original plaintiffs they now seek review summary reversal. 6 An examination record case suggests may believed benign districting federal judges itself unconstitutional gerrymandering even where (a) employed overcome residual effects past dilution Negro (b) leave intact districts.2 If fact reasoning lower court, petition present important question extent broad equitable powers Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board Education, 402 1, 15, 91 1267, 1275, 28 554, limited colorblind concept Gomillion Lightfoot, 364 339, 81 125, 110, Wright Rockefeller, 376 52, 57, 67, 84 603, 11 512 (Douglas, J., dissenting).3 In reapportionment cases, Justice Stewart has observed courts often going faced hard remedial problems' minimizing friction remedies legitimate policies. Sixty-Seventh Minnesota Senate Beens, 406 187, 204, 1477, 1487, (dissenting opinion). 7 Because does not fully inform us precise nature litigation because we had benefit insight Appeals, grant writ certiorari, vacate judgment below, remand proceedings conformity opinion.4 8 Vacated remanded. 9 Mr. BLACKMUN concurs judgment. 10 REHNQUIST, whom CHIEF JUSTICE POWELL join, dissenting. short recitation specific facts makes clear issues case, viewed respondents, well developed record. questions adverted its undoubtedly ones. They below record, not; Court, exercising certiorari jurisdiction, wish consider such problems time, not. While explaining reversal assistance our exercise jurisdiction here, no means essential.1 I do believe vacation virtually express directive write appropriate authority. 12 appeals statutory courts, having power prescribe rules conduct own business so long those consistent applicable practice procedure prescribed 2071. existing statute rule prohibits Fifth Circuit issuing order, done deciding cases all. Cf. Rule 21, Circuit. appeals, particularly Circuit, experienced heaviest caseload all circuits, need maximum possible latitude deal 'flood tide' 'ever growing explosive increase' judicial produced. See Isbell Enterprises, Inc. Citizens Casualty Co., 431 F.2d 409 (CA5 1970); NLRB Amalgamated Clothing Workers, 430 966 1970).2 13 should address them. Instead doing that, calls upon amicus curiae aid us. think decisions whether opinions accompany judgments desirable length content matters best left appeals. therefore dissent order remand. According Judge's opinion, D.C., percentages registered voters competing be: Plan 2.............. 51% 37.6% 3.............. 18% 25.7% 4.............. 58% 44.3% 5.............. 20% 24.0% It possible, unlikely, districting, although permissible, achievable here less violence parish's district But view presumably remanded construction drastic rather than simply directing adoption counterplan. similar respects, controlled Whitcomb Chavis, 403 124, 1858, 29 363. To sure, Courts writing clean slates sense fashioning plans. And, remedy conflicted policy. (There policy favored multi-member favors maintenance boundaries.) difference, conceded State's preference rooted discrimination, U.S., 149, S.Ct., 1872. Here, concession and, indeed, 'history' bias franchise drawing id., 155, 1875. We, course, agree wide how opinions. That especially true affirmances. summarily point considered Judge. special circumstances loath impute raise substantial when plausible actual ground decision more importance. e.g., Lego Twomey, 404 477, 482 n. 6, 619, 623, 30 618 (1972). fiscal year 1971, 2,316 new docketed 380 other circuits. represented 120% increase 10-year period, number circuit increased 60%. Annual Report Director Administrative Office 106 (1971). almost exponential. 1961 carried 278 undisposed of. By 1,181 put succeeding year. 966, 968 1970).

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