Texas redistricting appeal likely on hold at Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on whether to hear Texas' appeal in a redistricting case is likely to be delayed until the justices rule on a different voting rights case, lawyers involved in the Texas battle said Friday.

Supreme Court justices have held a series of screening conferences to select the cases to be argued during the spring term.

So far, justices haven't selected the Texas appeal of a federal court ruling that the state discriminated against minorities with new redistricting maps for Congress and the Legislature.

Texas, in its appeal, also has challenged the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act that requires prior approval by the Justice Department of any changes to voting laws and procedures for jurisdictions with a history of discrimination.

More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Texas-redistricting-appeal-likely-on-hold-at-4284883.php .