Connor v. Coleman

Background

Plaintiffs in a long-running lawsuit asked the federal courts to redraw Mississippi’s legislative districts so populations are more equal. After this Court’s earlier decision ordering a new plan, the parties tried to settle but negotiations broke down. The State adopted a new legislative plan, and the U.S. Attorney General refused to preclear it under the Voting Rights Act, prompting the State to sue in Washington, D.C. The District Court stayed the Mississippi case pending that D.C. litigation, while plaintiffs said a reapportionment scheme must be in place by the June 7, 1979 filing deadline for candidates.

Reasoning

The narrow question was whether the Supreme Court should force the District Court to file its court-drawn plan now rather than waiting until May 7. The Court concluded filing now is the better course because it avoids last-minute emergency appeals that could disrupt the June filing deadline. The Court granted leave to file a mandamus petition and instructed the District Court to adopt a final reapportionment plan forthwith, while continuing consideration of the petition for 30 days. The decision was per curiam; Justice Powell did not participate.

Real world impact

The ruling requires Mississippi courts to produce a final districting map immediately, giving candidates and election officials time to plan. If the State’s legislative plan later receives federal approval, it would replace the court plan. This order addresses timing and administrative fairness but is not a final ruling on which map will govern long-term elections.

Dissents or concurrances

Justice Marshall dissented, arguing the Court should have issued the writ of mandamus at once and condemning the District Court’s lengthy delays over many years.