The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday against a congressional map case by North Carolina's GOP lawmakers.

The state's Republicans lost in the decision that included three conservative justices joining the court's three liberals in the 6-3 ruling.

SCOTUS affirmed a decision by North Carolina's top court but rejected the so-called independent state legislature theory at issue in the case.

The 6-3 decision held that the elections clause "does not insulate state legislatures from...judicial review."https://t.co/gBeLEXhXSL

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) June 28, 2023

The explanation

"The reasoning we unanimously embraced in Smiley [v. Holm] commands our continued respect," Roberts wrote.

"A state legislature may not 'create congressional districts independently of' requirements imposed 'by the state constitution with respect to the enactment of laws,'" he added.

BREAKING: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that North Carolina’s top court did not overstep its bounds in striking down a congressional districting plan. The case would have left state legislatures virtually unchecked in making rules for federal elections. https://t.co/tjGzfWVX9U

— The Associated Press (@AP) June 27, 2023

A growing trend

"The decision was the fourth major case of the term in which conservative and liberal justices joined to reject the most aggressive legal arguments put forth by conservative state elected officials and advocacy groups," the Associated Press reported.

"Earlier decisions on voting rights, a Native American child welfare law and a Biden administration immigration policy also unexpectedly cut across ideological lines on the court," it noted.

Looks like SCOTUS spanked the North Carolina Republicans in this decision. It's notable that the only 3 dissents were Justices that are owned and operated by billionaires.https://t.co/tugvu6BwMn

— Michael Hoffman (@Michael75436656) June 27, 2023

The court's divide

"We hold only that state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections," Chief Justice Roberts wrote.

"Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito dissented, with Thomas writing for the trio that the question before the Supreme Court was moot and the case should be dismissed," CBS News added.

Vice President Kamala Harris claimed in a White House statement that the court's ruling was a victory for safeguarding elections and protecting the voice of the people.

The state will now have to abide by the latest ruling in constructing its voting maps, offering a precedent that could be used across the nation.

The Supreme Court does not make election laws but its recent decisions are having a major impact on future elections through its latest decisions.