From Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following statements regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to rehear two gerrymandering cases, Rucho, et al. v. Common Cause and Lamone, et al. v. Benisek, et al.

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court will rehear two important cases concerning gerrymandering on the eve of the upcoming 2020 redistricting cycle. The public and officials across the country have sought long-awaited resolution and clarity on what constitutes unlawful gerrymandering. Unlawful partisan gerrymandering is inimical to our democracy. Elected officials must be chosen by the voters, not —as is the case with partisan gerrymanders —choose who should vote for them.

“One new development since these cases were last heard is that Justice Kavanaugh has now been confirmed to the Supreme Court. An important question that must be asked is whether the stark partisan attacks made by now-Justice Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing inhibits the appearance of impartiality in the eyes of the public in these important cases that raise questions of improper partisan motive.”