CASE SUMMARY

On December 15, 2022, a coalition of community and civil rights organizations and Miami voters filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Miami challenging the Miami City Commission's new redistricting plan as racially gerrymandered in violation of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The plaintiffs allege the new Commission districts were drawn primarily on the basis of race - not to dilute any particular group's voting strength, but for the purpose of maintaining racially segregated voting districts - without a sufficiently compelling justification. They are seeking a judicial declaration that the redistricting plan is unconstitutional, a preliminary and permanent injunction barring the City from using the plan in future elections, and for the court to order the City to hold special elections in the event adequate relief is not available before the next election.

Defendants initially appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, but moved to dismiss that appeal once the City enacted a new Commission plan.

The District Court enjoined the use of the new map and imposed a replacement. The City appealed again to the Eleventh Circuit. The Eleventh Circuit first issued an administrative stay and then fully stayed the District Court's order. Plaintiffs then appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court left the stay in place.

CASE LIBRARY

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division - No. 1:22-cv-24066

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit - 23-11854

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit - 23-12472

Supreme Court of the United States - 23A116

Grace, Inc. v. City of Miami
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