Document: 404 U.S. 549 92 S.Ct. 656 30 L.Ed.2d 704 Peggy J. CONNOR et al.v.John Bell WILLIAMS, Governor of Mississippi, al. No. 71—221. Jan. 24, 1972. PER CURIAM. 1 After determining that the reapportionment plan for State Senate and House Representatives, passed by Mississippi Legislature in January 1971, failed to comply with Equal Protection Clause because a total variance 26% between largest smallest senatorial district (a determination was not appealed),1 District Court fashioned its own quadrennial elections both Houses scheduled these were held under court's plan. Connor v. Johnson, 330 F.Supp. 506 (S.D.Miss.1971). Appellants now challenge constitutionality plan, contending 18.9% one 19.7% require districting be voided, new instituted, held.2 2 rely on our recent cases invalidating congressional redistricting statutes contained variations 5.97%, Kirkpatrick Preisler, 394 526, 89 1225, 22 519 (1969), 13.1%, Wells Rockefeller, 542, 1234, 535 districts. These decisions do squarely control instant appeal since they concern state legislative apportionment, but raise substantial questions concerning Court's as design permanent apportionment. 3 But conceding, arguendo, does precisely square Fourteenth Amendment requirements, it necessarily follow 1971 must invalidated ordered. Mann Davis, 238 458 (E.D.Va.1964), aff'd sub nom. Hughes WMCA, Inc., 379 694, 85 713, 13 698 (1965); Toombs Fortson, 241 65, 71 (N.D.Ga.1965), aff'd, 384 210, 86 1464, 16 482 (1966); Drum Seawell, 249 877, 881—882 (M.D.N.C.1965), 383 831, 1237, 298 (1966). In circumstances this case, we decline disturb elections. 4 The prospective validity 1975 elections, absent action, poses different issues, need decide those at present time. Under approximately one-fifth seats filled at-large from temporary countywide districts 1971.3 retained jurisdiction over three counties ordered Special Master appointed 1972 'take testimony make findings whether Counties Hinds, Harrison, Jackson may feasibly divided into substantially equal numbers population 1979.' F.Supp., 519. Such proceedings should go forward promptly concluded, for, has emphasized, 'when courts are forced fashion apportionment plans, single-member preferable large multi-member general matter.' 402 690, 692, 91 1760, 1762, 29 268 (1971). Pending completion proceedings, deem inappropriate give further consideration case. If consider applicability Preisler districts, would have before us final judgment respect entire State.4 To accomplish result preserve right such judgment, is vacated, except insofar applied case remanded consistent opinion. 5 Judgment vacated part remanded. 6 So A three-judge court twice previously voided plans enacted embodied impermissible variances. 279 619 (S.D.Miss.1966), 386 483, 87 1174, 18 224 (1967) (appeal limited districting). This already considered an interlocutory 268, 403 928, 2241, 722 There 52 122 Representatives. According 1970 census, 2,216,912, making ideal containing 42,633 persons 18,171 persons. (46,719 persons, Senator) 9.6% underrepresented, 19 (77,320 two Senators) 9.3% overrepresented. (32,772 Representatives) 9.8% overrepresented, (59,912 9.9% underrepresented. Legislators elected districts: Senators Representatives Hinds County . 12 Harrison 7 6* -- 10 25* With George County. Thus, out (19%) 25 (21%) 1971. Meanwhile, possible legislature will adopt own. During course litigation, emphasized 'the exercise unavoidable judicial duty (drafting plan) cannot, not, any way tie hands time enact membership so long complies Constitutional requirements.' 265 492, 494 (S.D.Miss.1967) (emphasis original). frequently 'legislative primarily matter determination, relief becomes appropriate only when fails reapportion according federal constitutional requisites timely after having had adequate opportunity so.' Reynolds Sims, 377 533, 586, 84 1362, 1394, (1964). See also Burns Richardson, 73, 85, 1286, 1293, 376 Ely Klahr, 108, 114 n. 6, 1803, 1807, 352

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