November 10, 2014

Alabama Redistricting Cases Briefing


2014 Supreme Court term, Alabama Democratic Conference v. Alabama, Alabama Legislative Black Caucus v. Alabama, Alabama redistricting cases, Equal Protection Clause, gerrymandering, Voting Rights Act

Katie O'Connor

American Constitution Society
Begin: 0:00

Julie A. Fernandes

Open Society Foundations
Begin: 3:26

Jon M. Greenbaum

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Begin: 6:50

John M. Gore

Jones Day
Begin: 13:00

Wendy R. Weiser

Brennan Center for Justice
Begin: 16:15

Kareem U. Crayton

University of North Carolina School of Law
Begin: 19:30

On Monday, November 10, 2014, ACS hosted a briefing on Alabama Legislative Black Caucus v. Alabama and Alabama Democratic Conference v. Alabama, two cases that challenge Alabama’s legislative redistricting plans as unconstitutional racial gerrymanders. A panel of experts explored petitioners’ claim that the state has unconstitutionally classified black voters in violation of the Equal Protection Clause and the state’s response that its use of race in the redistricting process was necessary to comply with the Voting Rights Act.  The cases will be argued together before the Supreme Court on November 12.

Introduction:

Katie O’Connor, Director of Policy Development and Programming, American Constitution Society for Law & Policy

Panelists:

  • Moderator, Julie A. Fernandes, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Society Foundations
  • Kareem U. Crayton, Associate Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law
  • John M. Gore, Associate, Jones Day
  • Jon M. Greenbaum, Chief Counsel and Senior Deputy Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Wendy R. Weiser, Director, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law