Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Stands Trial

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is going before a judicial ethics panel this morning in Montgomery to answer charges that he abused his power by trying to block gay couples from marrying in the state.

The state panel that disciplines judges, the Alabama Court of the Judiciary, will hold a trial-like proceeding. Moore could be removed from office if the panel determines he violated standards of judicial ethics.

Moore is accused of urging 68 probate judges to defy federal rulings on same-sex marriage. He denies the charge, saying he told judges he couldn’t offer them advice.

Moore was previously removed from office as Chief Justice in 2003 for refusing a federal order to remove his Ten Commandments monument from the state judicial building.  After making unsuccessful runs for governor, he won another election as Chief Justice in 2012.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)