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California Democratic Party Art Torres Kathy Bowler Paul Jorjorian Peace and Freedom Party C.T. Weber Libertarian Party of California Gail Light Foot, and California Republican Party Michael Schroeder Shawn Steel Donna Shalansky, Plaintiffs-Intervenors v. Bill Jones, Secretary of State of California v. Californians for an Open Primary, Defendant-Intervenor-Appellee. California Democratic Party Art Torres Kathy Bowler Paul Jorjorian Peace and Freedom Party C.T. Weber Libertarian Party of California Gail Lightfoot, and California Republican Party Michael Schroeder Shawn Steel Donna Shalansky, Plaintiffs-Intervenors-Appellants v. Bill Jones, Secretary of State of California

Citation: 242 F.3d 1201Docket: 97-17440

Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; March 18, 2001; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reviewed a case involving several political parties, including the California Republican Party, against the Secretary of State of California. The case arose from disputes relating to election processes as adjudicated under federal and state laws. In its order dated March 19, 2001, the Ninth Circuit vacated its previous opinion and reversed the lower court's ruling, acting under the directive of the United States Supreme Court's mandate in California Democratic Party v. Bill Jones, 530 U.S. 567 (2000). The Supreme Court's decision necessitated this action, leading the Ninth Circuit to remand the case for further proceedings consistent with the higher court's opinion. The case was presided over by Chief Judge Procter Hug, Jr., along with Circuit Judges Betty B. Fletcher and Stephen S. Trott. This procedural outcome underscores the hierarchical judicial process and the binding nature of Supreme Court decisions on lower courts, ensuring alignment with constitutional interpretations as determined by the nation's highest court.

Legal Issues Addressed

Authority of the United States Supreme Court

Application: The Ninth Circuit vacated its previous opinion and reversed the district court's decision to comply with the United States Supreme Court's mandate.

Reasoning: This action was taken in compliance with the mandate from the United States Supreme Court, which had been certified on July 26, 2000, in the case of California Democratic Party v. Bill Jones, 530 U.S. 567 (2000).

Remand for Further Proceedings

Application: The Ninth Circuit remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion.

Reasoning: Consequently, the Ninth Circuit remanded the case for further proceedings that align with the Supreme Court's opinion.