Minorities historically have been underrepresented on Texas's state courts. What factors account for this? How did LULAC and other minority groups try to address the situation through litigation? Were they successful?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify the system of judicial elections as the main obstacle to minority representation.
2. Explain that elections are conducted statewide or countywide, that there is a shortage of minority candidates because there is a shortage of minority attorneys, that elections are costly, and that voting can be polarized along ethnic lines.
3. Explain that LULAC argued that countywide elections violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting minority voting strength and asked that the state be required to elect judges from geographic districts within urban counties.
4. Explain that the courts, ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, upheld Texas's system, so the challenge by the minorities was unsuccessful.
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