CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The contempt case against the city of Charlotte involving the Carolina Panthers stadium renovations went before a judge Thursday.
The suit said the city violated the state open meetings law. Attorneys for the city filed the motion hearing to try to get the lawsuit dismissed.
The judge did not make a decision but said he will review both sides.
The plaintiffs in the case, four former journalists, are asking the city to pay $1.4 million after Charlotte City Council held four closed-door sessions over economic development of the Panthers stadium.
Attorney Paul Whitfield wants Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and the City Council to be held in contempt of court.
"One of the closed meetings, they had police officers stationed there to keep you from going in. Another, they had the door blocked. What does that tell you about the motives of the people that are talking behind those closed doors?" Whitfield said.
Defense attorneys for the city argued the law the plaintiffs are using is outdated.
The civil trial has been set for June 24. Whether the case goes forward will depend on how the judge rules Friday.
WSOC
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