On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the North Carolina Supreme Court did not violate the elections clause of the US Constitution when it invalidated the state’s congressional map for 2022.

This decision rejects a broad interpretation of the controversial legal theory known as the Independent State Legislature theory, which was championed by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Chief Justice John Roberts authored the 6-3 opinion in the case, CNN reported.

The significance of this case garnered national attention as Republican lawmakers in North Carolina sought the Court’s endorsement of a dormant legal theory, arguing that state courts and other state entities should have limited authority in reviewing election rules established by state legislatures for federal elections.

However, Chief Justice Roberts asserted that state courts still possess the power to apply state constitutional constraints when legislatures act within the authority granted to them by the Elections Clause.

In summary, the Supreme Court’s ruling upheld the North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the state’s congressional map and affirmed the role of state courts in reviewing election rules within their constitutional framework.

Written by staff