Baker v. Carr 1962
Background: Charles W. Baker and other citizens of Tennessee claimed that a 1901 law designed to apportion, the 1901 Apportionment Act, was virtually ignored. The lawsuit detailed how the reappointment efforts in the Tennessee legislature ignored population shifts and significant economic changes in the state.
Issue: Did the Supreme Court have jurisdiction over legislative appointment?
Ruling/Impact: The Court ruled that legislative appointment was a justiciable issue. Judge Brennan cited past examples of the Supreme Court intervening to correct constitutional violations concerning state administration and state officials. It was concluded that the Fourteenth Amendment equal protection issues raised in the case merited judicial evaluation.
Issue: Did the Supreme Court have jurisdiction over legislative appointment?
Ruling/Impact: The Court ruled that legislative appointment was a justiciable issue. Judge Brennan cited past examples of the Supreme Court intervening to correct constitutional violations concerning state administration and state officials. It was concluded that the Fourteenth Amendment equal protection issues raised in the case merited judicial evaluation.