Today in Supreme Court History: August 30

Wise v. Lipscomb, 434 U.S. 1329 (decided August 30, 1977): Powell stays Court of Appeals rejection of reapportionment plan for electing Dallas City Council; plans submitted by legislatures (as opposed to plans ordered by a federal court) are entitled to some leeway and some at-large voting may be permissible; says good chance that cert would be granted (it was, and the Court agreed with Powell, 437 U.S. 535, 1978)

Dandridge v. Jefferson Parish School Board, 404 U.S. 1219 (decided August 30, 1971): Marshall, as you might expect, denies stay of desegregation plan; admits that changing from a dual to a unitary school system is difficult, but notes the “devastating, often irreparable injury to children who experience segregation and isolation” and cites the long list of Court desegregation decisions and notes that this Louisiana school district has been “mired in litigation for seven years”