New Mexico's highest court wants the Legislature to correct what it calls "an outdated and dysfunctional" state law governing certain appeals.
Cities can appeal directly to the state Supreme Court — rather than the Court of Appeals — from lower court rulings involving violations of municipal ordinances.
The Supreme Court said Thursday the appeal statute is "contrary to sound principles of judicial and common sense" and expressed hope that lawmakers will change the law.
The court made the statements in a ruling that reinstated charges against a Silver City man for drinking alcohol in public and possessing marijuana in violation of city ordinances.
The justices reversed a district court decision that dismissed charges against Jimmy Ferranti after determining that his arrest in 2012 was unconstitutional.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.