Court to Hear Arguments Over Arizona LawUpdated:

Thursday, 21 Oct 2010, 5:58 PM MDT
Published : Thursday, 21 Oct 2010, 5:58 PM MDT

PHOENIX - Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has filed his final written argument in defense of the challenge to the state's employer sanctions law.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Dec. 8 in an appeal by business and civil rights groups that are trying to overturn a 2007 Arizona law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The law has been upheld by a federal district court and the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Critics say the law is an unconstitutional attempt by the state to regulate immigration. Supporters say the employer sanctions law was needed because the federal government hasn't adequately enforced a similar federal law.

The law is separate from a state immigration law that took effect in late July. The most controversial sections of the new law were put on hold by a federal judge.

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