Besinek v. Lamone
In brief
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the District Court's order in Besinek v. Lamone.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 9-0 · June 18, 2018 · Per curiam
- What it’s about
- Republican Maryland voters alleged that state officials weakened their votes through partisan redistricting because they supported Republican candidates.
- Who it affects
- The ruling left the District Court's order in place. It did not separately state a broader rule resolving every First Amendment claim against partisan gerrymandering.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court unanimously affirmed (agreed with) the denial of a preliminary injunction (temporary court order) without deciding the underlying retaliation claims.
The case concerned whether voters can challenge a congressional map as political retaliation under the First Amendment.
Question presented
1. Did the majority err in holding that, to establish an actual, concrete injury in a First Amendment retaliation challenge to a partisan gerrymander, a plaintiff must prove that the gerrymander has dictated and will continue to dictate the outcome of every election held in the district under the gerrymandered map? 2. Did the majority err in holding that the Mt. Healthy burden-shifting framework is inapplicable to First Amendment retaliation challenges to partisan gerrymanders? 3. Regardless of the applicable legal standards, did the majority err in holding that the present record does not permit a finding that the 2011 gerrymander was a but-for cause of the Democratic victories in the district in 2012, 2014, or 2016?
What the Court decided
Holding
The order of the District Court is Affirmed.
- Result
- Affirmed
The vote
What's next
The Supreme Court has completed this docket action. The District Court's order remains in effect.
Documents
Docket activity
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AI analysis generated: Impact Analysis
AI analysis generated: Opinion Summary
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AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
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More questions
- What was challenged in Besinek v. Lamone?
- Republican voters challenged Maryland's 2011 redesign of the Sixth Congressional District. They said officials drew the map to punish Republican political support.
- How did the Supreme Court rule in Besinek v. Lamone?
- The Court upheld the District Court's order (affirmed). All nine justices signed on to the unsigned opinion.
- What did the ruling leave unresolved?
- The Court's action did not separately announce a broad answer to every First Amendment challenge to partisan gerrymandering. It upheld this District Court order.
- What happens next in Besinek v. Lamone?
- The Supreme Court has finished its action in this docket. The District Court's order stays in effect.
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.