General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsScalia Escalates His Criticism The Of Voting Rights Act
SAHIL KAPUR APRIL 17, 2013, 4:15 PM 6069
Justice Antonin Scalia this week escalated his criticism of the Voting Rights Act ahead of a Supreme Court decision expected within the next two months raising the likelihood that he and perhaps a majority of justices will overturn the landmark law.
Speaking on Monday night at the University of Californias Washington Center, in D.C, Scalia described a centerpiece of the 1965 law as an embedded form of racial preferment, in remarks captured by the Wall Street Journal. He reportedly warned that the law would be reauthorized into perpetuity unless the courts invalidate it.
The Supreme Court is poised to rule on the constitutionality of the Voting Right Acts Section 5, which requires state and local governments with a history of racial discrimination to receive federal pre-approval before changing their voting laws. Civil rights advocates warn that portion of the law is key to protecting minorities from discrimination.
During oral arguments in the case, Shelby County v. Holder, in late February, Scalia said that portion of the law and its repeated renewal by Congress reflects a perpetuation of racial entitlement. The other conservatives justices were also deeply skeptical that Section 5 of the law remains valid given the changing times.
more
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/04/scalia-tips-his-hand-voting-rights-act.php?ref=fpb