Shaw v. Reno

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Shaw v. Reno (1993) was a landmark United States Supreme Court case in the area of redistricting and racial gerrymandering. After the 1990 census, North Carolina qualified to have a 12th district and drew it in a distinct snake-like manner in order to create a “majority-minority” Black district. The Court ruled that the shape of the proposed district was so odd that there was no compelling explanation for its shape other than separating voters by race and that because of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment - the district was unconstitutional.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What was the main outcome of Shaw v. Reno?

  2. What was the main constitutional issue in Shaw v. Reno?

  3. Which constitutional amendment was central to the case of Shaw v. Reno?

  4. Explain the connection between Shaw v. Reno and equal protection?

  5. How has the ruling in Shaw v. Reno impacted your life?

  6. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept of gerrymandering?

  7. Who was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno good for?

  8. Who was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno bad for?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw Shaw v. Reno! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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