NC judges to decide if legislature overstepped in appointments row with governor

Judges will decide this afternoon whether to block recent NC legislature appointments in ongoing power struggle with the governor.

Lawsuit filed by Gov. Cooper seeks to block legislature's appointments approved last month to key state boards and commissions.

Main issue is whether legislature has gone too far in reducing governor's appointment powers, violating separation of powers.

Similar lawsuits won by previous governors, but new Republican majority on state Supreme Court could change outcomes.

Three-judge panel with 2 Republicans and 1 Democrat hearing case, appointed by Republican Chief Justice Newby.