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White v. Regester

Citations: 45 L. Ed. 2d 662; 95 S. Ct. 2670; 422 U.S. 935; 1975 U.S. LEXIS 87Docket: 73-1462

Court: Supreme Court of the United States; June 30, 1975; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The Supreme Court vacated the judgment of the District Court regarding the case of Mark White et al. v. Diana Regester et al. due to the State of Texas enacting new apportionment legislation that introduces single-member districts, effective for the 1976 elections. The Court noted that any special elections before this date would occur under the existing multimember districts as of January 1, 1975. The Court opted not to address the constitutional issues raised by the District Court, instead remanding the case for reconsideration in light of the new legislation and directing dismissal if the case is found to be moot. Justice Douglas did not participate in this decision.

Legal Issues Addressed

Effect of New Legislation on Pending Legal Proceedings

Application: The new apportionment legislation prompted the Supreme Court to direct that any special elections before the effective date occur under the existing district arrangement.

Reasoning: The Court noted that any special elections before this date would occur under the existing multimember districts as of January 1, 1975.

Mootness Consideration in Light of New Legislation

Application: The Supreme Court remanded the case for reconsideration, instructing dismissal if the new legislation renders the case moot.

Reasoning: The Court opted not to address the constitutional issues raised by the District Court, instead remanding the case for reconsideration in light of the new legislation and directing dismissal if the case is found to be moot.

Vacatur of Judgment Due to Legislative Changes

Application: The Supreme Court vacated the District Court's judgment because the State of Texas enacted new apportionment legislation affecting the case's context.

Reasoning: The Supreme Court vacated the judgment of the District Court regarding the case of Mark White et al. v. Diana Regester et al. due to the State of Texas enacting new apportionment legislation that introduces single-member districts, effective for the 1976 elections.