MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Judges say they will quickly issue a decision on whether suspended Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore can return to the bench.
A specially appointed appellate court last week granted Moore’s request for an expedited decision in his appeal. The court canceled oral arguments that had been scheduled for April and will make the decision based on court filings.
A judicial discipline panel in September ruled that Moore directed probate judges to flout the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision on same-sex marriage. The Alabama Court of the Judiciary, the state panel that hears complaints against judges, suspended Moore for the remainder of his term.
The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission, which brought the accusations against Moore, did not object to fast-tracking the decision.
Moore is trying to win his position back after the ruling that he violated standards of judicial ethics with his actions regarding gay marriage.