Document: 425 U.S. 675 96 S.Ct. 1814 48 L.Ed.2d 295 Peggy J. CONNOR et al., Petitioners,v.J. P. COLEMAN, United States Circuit Judge, al. No. 75-1184. May 19, 1976. PER CURIAM. 1 This case is here on movants' motion, supported by the States, for leave to file a petition writ of mandamus. The motion granted. Since District Court may be expected conform its proceedings views expressed in this opinion, consideration mandamus continued June 17, 2 Ten years litigation have not yet resulted constitutionally apportioned Mississippi Legislature. Southern 1966 invalidated 1962 apportionment. Connor v. Johnson, 256 F.Supp. 962 (1966). A legislative apportionment that followed was also declared unconstitutional. Thereupon promulgated own plan 1967 elections. 265 492 (1967). Still another enacted 1971 held unconstitutional and court-ordered plan, elections, formulated. 330 506 (1971). That court-promulgated however, stayed with direction Districtourt, "absent insurmountable difficulties," should "devise put into effect single-member district Hinds County" 14, 1971. 402 690, 692, 91 1760, 1762, 29 268, 271 did divide County districts because court found there were difficulties. 3 After elections addressed constitutionality court-formulated plan. Because had retained jurisdiction over plans Hinds, Harrison, Jackson Counties stated intention appoint special master January 1972 consider subdivision those counties districts, we vacated judgment, without disturbing remanded "(s)uch go forward promptly concluded," declining meanwhile prospective validity until completed final judgment entered respecting entire State. Williams, 404 549, 551-552, 92 656, 658, 30 704, 707 (1972). master. 4 In April 1973 Legislature an Pending decision objections legislature 1975 adopted new legislation differed from only remained multimember districts. thereupon dismissed complaint directed filing amended addressing legislation. done approving law. Waller, 396 1308 (1975). We reversed, holding could effective as law after clearance compliance § 5 Voting Rights Act 1965, 79 Stat. 439, amended, 42 U.S.C. 1973c, further erred deciding constitutional challenges based upon claims racial discriminatio 421 95 2003, 44 486 expressly, Id. at 656-657, 486, reversal "without prejudice authority Court, if it become appropriate, entertain proceeding require conduct pursuant reapportionment complies Court's decisions Mahan Howell, 410 315, 93 979, 35 320 (1973); 704 (1972); Chapman Meier, 420 1, 751, 766 (1975)." 6 Thereafter submitted Attorney General Act. objected accordingly hearing formulate By orders "temporary election Senators Representatives ONLY," Motion Leave File Pet., App. 85a, ordered parties alternative permanent plans. order 25, 1975, stated: "A cannot now formulated due lack time. When legislators quadrennial 1979 has been accomplished, where required law, equity, or Constitution U. S." Ibid. Motions movants sought fixing specific date which would definite schedule February 1976, suggested outside making effective, November 1976 Presidential On August order, Pet. 88a, stating: "The declines set deadline 2-1-76 completion . but reiterates firm determination such approved before 2-1-76; all instances required, expects direct same shall conjunction e ." Proposed thereafter movants, 26, moved 10, proposed However, three days later, 29, denied stating sole ground, 90a, "(f)urther will deferred Supreme decided cited cases, time bring trial forthwith 7 "cited cases" are East Carroll Parish School Board Marshall, cert. granted, 422 1055, 2677, 45 (1975); Beer probable noted, 419 822, 37, (1974); Jewish Organizations Williamsburgh, Inc. Carey, 75-104, certiorari 423 945, 354, 46 276 There no occasion any longer postpone awaiting cases. decid March 8, 424 636, 1083, 47 296, 30, 130, 1357, 629. scheduled argument Term question similar presented case. justification ground delaying long-pending supra. Rather, our view circumstances carry out assurance given "bring " within end entering embodying reapportioning accordance applicable ordering necessary coincide congressional event earliest practicable thereafter. Assuming do give these views, 8 It so ordered. 9 10 THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs granting does join Per curiam opinion. 11 Mr. Justice POWELL. 12 I concur goes beyond what Solicitor requested seems delay appears inexcusable when viewed Washington. Nevertheless, deny assumption perform duty need prescribed Court. 13 REHNQUIST, dissenting. 14 course purports opinion explaining merely grant mandamus, proceeds lay minute detail Should during next while "continues consideration" petition. Coincidentally, actions "assumes" take precisely extraordinary remedy pretending passed merits actually afforded their relief, today's me more legerdemain than If going exercise power coerce lower federal courts, think obligated clearly announce intention, address directly so, see 28 1651(a), analyze care propriety action it. little doubt afford relief pretends pretermit, nothing dispel doubt. But even assuming exists, believe failed demonstrate entitlement iron fist shows through velvet glove today. true model speedy resolution litigation. previous opinions established rigid timetable adhere, am persuaded deliberately avoiding apply Accordingly, presently writ. might convince otherwise, which, analysis difficult legal issues involved, necessarily unstated premise ultimately issue

Category: 8