Bacote v. Carter

OPINION AND ORDER

This three-judge district court matter involves the redistricting of the Fifth Congressional district of Georgia to comport with the 1970 census. The gist of the complaint is that the black population was limited in the district by gerrymandering. The suit, as filed, was an attack on the redistricting statute adopted in 1971. However, there was a supervening change in the redistricting plan which change was accomplished by a statute enacted in 1972 and it is that statute which is now in issue.

Prior to redistricting, the racial ratio of the Fifth district under the 1970 census…