Baker V. Carr
Date: 1962
Case Background:
Baker was a Republican from Tennessee. The Tennessee State Constitution required legislative districts to be redrawn every 10 years to provide make sure that there is equal districts according to the population. Baker claimed that Tennessee did not redistrict since 1901. Joe Carr was the Tennessee Secretary of State. Issue:Baker therefore claimed, because the population had grew since the redistrict, that he had failed to receive "equal protection of the laws".Carr was sued ex officio as the person responsible for the conduct of elections. Decision: No clear majority emerged on either side, making this case one of the most wrenching in the Court's history. The decision was made nearly a year after it was initially presented. Baker's case was ruled justiciable. Impact: This case alterd the "nature of political representation" in America. |
Justice: Earl Warren
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