VIRGINIA: Fourth Circuit Court Of Appeals To Hear Marriage Case Tomorrow

Tomorrow the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear Virginia's marriage equality case.

A three-judge panel randomly selected from the 16-member appeals court will hear arguments from lawyers for both sides. The Richmond-based 4th Circuit, once widely considered the most conservative appeals court in the country, has become more moderate with the addition of five appointees by President Barack Obama. Lawyers typically face what they call a "hot bench," which means the judges ask a lot of questions. The court usually issues its rulings several weeks, or even months, after hearing arguments. The losing side can accept the ruling, ask the full appeals court for a rehearing, or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Over 50 amicus briefs have been filed from groups on both sides.