The Department of Justice Files Notice of Appeal in Redistricting Case

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a notice of appeal this afternoon to the United States Supreme Court in Baldus, et al. v. Brennan, et al., Case No. 11 CV 562, and Voces de la Frontera, Inc. et al. v. Brennan, Case No. 11 CV 1011.

On March 22, 2012, a federal district court rejected all legal challenges to the newly drawn congressional boundaries in 2011 Wisconsin Act 44 and further rejected all legal challenges to the state senate districts created by 2011 Wisconsin Act 43. With respect to the state assembly districts created by Act 43, the Court rejected all constitutional challenges to the districts, but concluded that the line between two of the districts needed to be redrawn under the Voting Rights Act. The Attorney General is appealing that aspect of the decision to the United States Supreme Court.

Regarding the appeal, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen stated: “The redistricting laws were upheld in virtually all respects. However, we have appealed the one portion of the district court's decision where the State did not prevail. While some view the adverse portion of the district court decision as being inconsequential, I disagree. Any time a federal court rejects a state redistricting statute, and decides to redraw or adjust a legislative district, it is a serious matter and appropriate for appellate review.”

A copy of the Notice of Appeal is available at the following link: