Mobile v. Bolden - Retreat From Civil Rights, Vote Dilution, No Guarantee Of Proportional Representation, Discriminatory Effect Vs. Discriminatory Intent
city appellant court system
Appellant
City of Mobile Alabama, et al.
Appellee
Wiley L. Bolden, et al.
Appellant's Claim
That the city's at-large system of electing commissioners did not discriminate against African American citizens of the city.
Chief Lawyer for Appellant
Charles S. Rhyne
Chief Lawyer for Appellee
James U. Blacksher
Justices for the Court
Harry A. Blackmun, Warren E. Burger, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., William H. Rehnquist, John Paul Stevens, Potter Stewart (writing for the Court)
Justices Dissenting
William J. Brennan, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Byron R. White
Place
Washington, D.C.
Date of Decision
22 April 1980
Decision
The Supreme Court held that the at-large election system did not discriminate against African American citizens, who could register and vote freely in Mobile.
Significance
The case was a strong blow against anti-discriminatory suits. It established that discriminatory effects must be accompanied by intent.
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