A federal judge has rejected Tyrrell County’s attempt to block depositions from current and former county commissioners in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the county’s Confederate monument.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers rejected the county’s request for a protective order, which sought to prevent commissioners from being questioned under oath. County attorneys argued that legislative immunity shielded the commissioners from compelled testimony.
In a three-page order, Judge Numbers disagreed, writing: “Tyrrell County is not entitled to a protective order. Because legislative immunity is personal to the commissioners, the County may not assert the immunity on their behalf.”
The ruling allows depositions to move forward, marking an important development in the case as plaintiffs continue seeking accountability and transparency surrounding decisions related to the monument.