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Appeals court blocks release of evidence in redistricting trial

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida appeals court is blocking the release of documents said to be key evidence in the state's redistricting trial.

The 1st District Court of Appeals has ruled that documents obtained from a Republican consultant must remain confidential.

The ruling overturned a previous decision that would have allowed the documents to be used.  The trial currently in progress is examining whether the Legislature broke the law in drawing up congressional district maps.

Plaintiffs contend that the maps violate the 2010 "Fair Districts" amendment, stating that districts cannot be drawn in a way that favors incumbents, or members of certain political parties.

Attorneys for the Legislature call those allegations false.