Supreme Court Considers Limits of Racial Gerrymandering

by MJR&L on March 4, 2017October 11, 2017

By Marcus Baldori Associate Editor, Vol. 22 In the coming months, the Supreme Court is expected to clarify its stance on the legal boundaries of racial gerrymandering. In December 2016 the Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Bethune-Hill v. Virginia State Board of Elections; the case will explore whether a requirement that certain districts have a […]

Civil Rights Enforcement in the Trump Era

by MJR&L on February 20, 2017October 11, 2017

By Ali Boyd Associate Editor, Vol. 22 Online Publications Editor, Vol. 23 In the wake of President Trump’s recent inauguration, millions of people across the world came out in protest of his rhetoric and policy agenda.[1] The day after the inauguration, the Women’s March on Washington and sister-marches around the world demonstrated a widespread fear shared by millions […]

Deterrence and Democracy: Election Law After Preclearance

by MJR&L on February 12, 2017February 12, 2017

By Asma Husain Associate Editor, Vol. 22 In 2013, Chief Justice Roberts delivered the Court’s opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, which struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Considered the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement, the Voting Rights Act had, until that decision, required covered jurisdictions to preclear changes to their […]

Presidential Election 2016: Why Democrats’ Frustration with Shelby County May Be Misdirected

by MJR&L on January 10, 2017January 10, 2017

By Ali Boyd Associate Editor, Vol. 22 In the midst of a nationwide battle for civil rights, President Lyndon B. Johnson called on Congress to create one of the most expansive protections of voting rights ever seen. The result, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), sought to protect against racialized voter disenfranchisement. One of the […]

Michigan Emergency Manager Law Upheld by Sixth Circuit

by MJR&L on October 17, 2016October 17, 2016

By Marcus Baldori Associate Editor, Vol. 22 On September 12, 2016, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Michigan’s controversial emergency manager law in a 3-0 decision. In general, the law provides that, when certain financial triggers are met, a state-appointed emergency manager will temporarily replace local governments to resolve the financial issue. The […]

Poll workers: gatekeepers of the democratic process

by MJR&L on March 28, 2016March 28, 2016

By Amy Luong Associate Editor, Vol. 21 Production Editor, Vol. 22 March marked an increased number of states that began imposing Voter ID requirements among other voting prerequisites.[1] In 2013, the Supreme Court declared the coverage formula, § 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), unconstitutional in Shelby Cty. v. Holder.[2] Originally, the formula covered jurisdictions that […]

Block the vote: North Carolina’s voting laws on trial

by MJR&L on March 23, 2016March 23, 2016

By Matt Johnson Associate Editor, Vol. 21 Contributing Editor, Vol. 22 Election season is upon us, and everything from stickers to lawn signs are meant to encourage the American people to get to the polls. However, there is a disturbing movement across the country, often codified by state legislatures, to discourage certain people from voting. […]