Regents of University of California v. Bakke
United States Supreme Court
438 U.S. 265 (1978)
- Written by Richard Lavigne, JD
Facts
The University of California, Davis Medical School practiced a policy whereby it reserved 16 out of 100 places in its entering class for members of racial minority groups. A special committee was appointed to administer this admissions policy. Allan Bakke (plaintiff) brought suit against the Regents of the University of California (defendant) on the ground that this policy was unconstitutional. Bakke challenged the policy in California state court after his application for admission was rejected even though applicants were admitted under this special policy with grade point averages, MCAT scores, and benchmark scores that were significantly lower than Bakke’s averages and scores. The Supreme Court of California held the admissions policy was unconstitutional and directed Bakke to be admitted to the medical school. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Powell, J.)
Concurrence/Dissent (Brennan, J.)
Concurrence/Dissent (Marshall, J.)
Concurrence/Dissent (Blackmun, J)
Concurrence/Dissent (Stevens, J.)
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