Upland attorney argues before U.S. Supreme Court

Stephen G. Larson, an Upland resident and partner at the law firm of Arent Fox, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 8 on behalf of Arizona voters challenging the constitutionality of unequally populated voting districts created by a state commission. Larson and partner Thor Hearne serve as lead counsel for the petitioners.

In their case, Harris v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, Larson and Hearne argued that the five-member Commission violated the Supreme Court’s one-person, one-vote principle under the 14th Amendment. This case will determine whether Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission diluted millions of Arizonans’ votes when it redrew the state’s legislative districts.

Of note, the Arizona Attorney General will also be arguing in support of the petitioners and representing the Arizona Secretary of State, who says the maps violated the one-person, one-vote principle.

Although Larson, who leads the litigation department at the Washington, D.C.-based Arent Fox, has handled numerous trial and appellate arguments in federal and state courts across the country, this is his first trip to the US Supreme Court.

“It is a real privilege as a lawyer and a proud moment as an American to appear before the Supreme Court,” Larson said. “The issue of making sure that all votes count is critical for all of us who believe in the enduring importance of democratic government.”