Bush v. Gore (2000)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
The 2000 presidential election came down to disputed results in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court ordered a manual recount, but the U.S. Supreme Court halted it, ruling that the lack of uniform recount standards violated the Equal Protection Clause. The decision effectively awarded Florida’s electoral votes—and the presidency—to George W. Bush.

3) Why It Mattered
This was one of the most controversial rulings in Supreme Court history, directly deciding a presidential election.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: A constitutional ruling on election recount standards under Equal Protection.
• Took Away: The continuation of Florida’s recount, ending the dispute in Bush’s favor.

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
Many saw it as judicial overreach into politics, undermining the Court’s credibility. The majority limited the decision to this case only, highlighting its extraordinary nature.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
The case decided the 2000 election. It also raised lasting concerns about judicial neutrality in politically charged disputes.

• Equal Protection
• Elections
• Presidency
• Recounts