Supreme Court Rejects Independent State Legislature Theory, Shaking American Elections

The Supreme Court rejected the legal theory that state legislatures have unlimited power to determine the rules for federal elections and draw partisan congressional maps without interference from state courts. This theory was raised by Trump allies in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election outcome. The ruling in the case known as Moore v. Harper is seen as a repudiation of the independent state legislature doctrine and a defense of checks and balances in the American system. The decision sends a signal that the Court will stand against attempts to manipulate future elections. However, more safeguards are needed to prevent coordinated efforts to overturn future presidential elections.