The Supreme Court Case That Caused a Justice to Have a Nervous Breakdown | Baker v. Carr

In episode 66 of Supreme Court Briefs, city folks in Tennessee are fed up with their votes not counting as much as rural folks, and the Supreme Court is about to become A LOT more powerful.

Produced by Matt Beat. All images/video by Matt Beat, found in the public domain, or used under fair use guidelines. Music by @reedmathis4623.

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#apgov #scotus #supremecourtbriefs

Baker v. Carr is one of the most important Supreme Court cases in American history. It really opened up the floodgates. Although the Court has always been at least somewhat political, I’d argue this case made it much more political. I’d also argue that no Supreme Court case in American history has ever tested our justices more so than this case. I mean, it led to one justice having a nervous breakdown, for crying out loud.

And finally, this case made it so that the Court would likely be much more busy from now on.

[iammrbeat]

My book about everything you need to know about the Supreme Court is now available!

[ethandavies]

I like to imagine the SCOTUS Justices all sitting on the opposite side of the room as one of their peers just start throwing papers across the room and screaming about Tennessee and Memphis

[Gambit]

Fun fact: Earl Warren once said that this was one of the most important cases he presided over.
For comparison he also presided over Gideon v. Wainwright, Miranda v. Arizona & Brown v. Board of Education.

[juniemcgraw]

It's amazing how this rural vs urban debate is still happening to this day. Thank you for your content Mr. Beat! I always learn something new every week because of you! 😊

[thefreelich]

Fun fact: This case actually helped Jimmy Carter become a national figure. In 1962, when the Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case of Baker v. Carr, Carter was a member of the Sumter County Board of Education. After Baker v. Carr, Georgia, Carter's home state, had to create dozens of new voting districts, an opportunity Carter used to join the state senate!

[ernieyt]

I once heard you say this series gets the least attention but I'm glad you continue to do it because I enjoy them and learn a lot.

[rohitde]

Never thought a Supreme Court case would basically cause a justice to leave the court (or just impact a justice’s health that much)…pretty surprising to me

[braydonthegreat]

I'm suprised the mental well being of the justices is something ive never considered. I wonder how intense things are behind the scenes nowadays. I hope all the justices are doing well

[leserpentvert]

I’m in the UK studying history, and part of our course is American history in the 20th century. Your videos are amazing, and really helpful! Thanks, Mr Beat!

[SiVlog]

Just goes to show that those who serve on the Court are human beings who experience the frailties of being human when making a decision on a specific case

[Jane-qhyd]

Other States: *Freaking out about how to draw congressional districts
Wyoming: "Why the hell is everyone freaking out?"

[brianm]

When Earl Warren was asked which case was his most important, the interviewer fully expected himm to say Brown v. Board of Education. He said Baker v. Carr.

[ermesdallagasperina]

It's funny how in Ohio has this one blue district that is this one skinny line that snakes around. And NC has a red district that does similar. Gerrymandering does create cool geometry through.

[SageArdor]

This video made me go back and binge your entire Supreme Court Briefs series, and I have to say, it made me realize just how important it is to not only follow Supreme Court decisions, but also keep tabs on what the decisions mean and how they can be applied down the road.

[pillsburydoughboy]

“But come on, Almost everything is political. For crying out loud!”
-Mr. Beat, 2022

[AlpineBishop]

I work for the TN legislature, and as I type this, I am looking at Joe Carr's profile picture of the 78th General Assembly, where Carr was Chief Clerk of the House. He was Chief Clerk for 4 years before returning to be Secretary of State, wherein this case occured. He is named in the case since the SoS is the conductor of elections.

Pretty cool to have noticed his picture on the wall across from me, then watch this video like a day later without knowing any correlation. I even wondered in my head "lol what if it's that guy haha", then whattya know, history man.

[iammrbeat]

Which landmark Supreme Court case should I cover for this series next?

Also, don't forget about my sponsor! Supporting the sponsor also helps out my channel. :)

[neor]

Great content as usual Mr. Beat!
Thanks for the knowledge

[christophercook]

This actually puts a lot into perspective. I hadn't realized the gerrymandering in days of yore was to have different sized districts. What we have now is bad, but not this flagrant

[alonkatz]

Great video as usual. Love the series.

Hoonestly, it's crazy how seriously Justices take their jobs. I've heard about jusstices doing extreme stuff on the court, but this one takes the cake.