RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina law that cancelled primary elections this year for state judges of all kinds is back in court.

Three judges of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, scheduled oral arguments Tuesday between Democratic Party lawyers that sued over the law and Republican legislative leaders about a lower court ruling.

A U.S. District Court judge in Greensboro had blocked temporarily part of the law that eliminated primary elections for state appellate judges but kept intact the part cancelling primaries for trial judge seats. But a 4th Circuit panel last month allowed the entire law to remain enforceable while the appeals court considered whether she should have issued a preliminary injunction at all.

Whatever the panel decides, there’s a trial on the law’s constitutionality in June.

Related Stories
‹
Over Cooper's Veto, General Assembly Cancels 2018 Judicial Primary
Republicans say they need extra time to reform judicial elections - either via redistricting, or scrapping judicial elections entirely.
New GOP Proposal: Judicial Elections Every Two Years?
Republicans in the NCGA have introduced yet another proposal to change the way judges are elected.
Democrat Wins NC's Last Contested Legislative Race
Republicans will hold a 65-55 majority in the NC House beginning next year - not enough of a majority to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes.
NC Lawmakers Propose Wide Range Of Voter IDs
The proposal would allow voters to use several forms of ID, including state university IDs and a new photo ID that elections boards would offer free.
It's Official: NC Dems Break GOP Veto-Proof Majority In State House, Senate
Republicans will hold a 29-21 majority in the State Senate and (pending one recount) a 65-55 majority in the State House.
"Beginning Of A Real Conversation": NC Dems Unveil Proposals On Guns, School Safety
Following Gov. Cooper's lead, Democrats are calling for stricter gun restrictions - and also more mental health services in schools.
Gerrymandering Trial Wraps Up In Greensboro (Again)
Plaintiffs say the newly drawn US Congressional district lines don't fix the racial gerrymandering problem.
Fight For The Planet, Dine With A Stranger: Two Easy Ways To Make A Difference
The League of Women Voters is holding an environmental-advocacy event, and you're also invited to the 20th annual Community Dinner.
North Carolina, You're (Still) The Worst
Dear North Carolina, I love you, but you're bringing me down.
PPP: Americans Opposed On Healthcare And HB2, Split On Impeachment
When it comes to healthcare, Americans are surprisingly united against the GOP. (On Neil Gorsuch, we're unsurprisingly apathetic.)
›