Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is contending that federal courts have no jurisdiction over his decision to erect a 5,800-pound granite monument to the Protestant translation of the Ten Commandments in the state's judicial building

Christian Century, Jan 11, 2003

* Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is contending that federal courts have no jurisdiction over his decision to erect a 5,800-pound granite monument to the Protestant translation of the Ten Commandments in the state's judicial building. Moore announced December 10 that he will appeal the ruling by Federal District Judge Myron Thompson ordering removal of the monument.

Thompson said the monument's placement--by itself in the most prominent part of the building--created an unconstitutional state endorsement of religion. He gave Moore until December 19 to remove the monument. But Moore said he would not remove it while the case is on appeal. He cited states' rights in defending his case.