Document Type

Article

Journal Title

The Yale Law Journal Forum

Volume

134

First Page

1062

Publication Date

4-14-2025

Abstract

This Essay explores perceived biases within recent Supreme Court decisions affecting voting access and their implications for American democracy. The Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in enforcing democratic principles. This Essay examines historical and contemporary examples of judicial decisions that have privileged powerful political candidates and legislatures to the detriment of voters. As a lens for assessing these decisions, the Essay introduces a conceptual dichotomy between candidate-centered and voter-centered perspectives. The Essay argues that the Court’s prioritization of the former perspective has forced citizens to bear the burden of antidemocratic decisions, which in turn has led to widespread distrust of democratic ideals, such as adherence to the rule of law, equal treatment, and fairness. This Essay will discuss these concerns and provide an analysis of the Court’s influence on democracy.

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Law Commons

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