Appellate court to consider Calif. paparazzi law

(AP) A judge has declined to reconsider his ruling dismissing charges filed under California's anti-paparazzi law, triggering a full appeal before a panel of judges who have indicated that they believe the law is constitutional.

Court records show Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson issued a notice on Monday declining to reconsider his decision to dismiss two charges against photographer Paul Raef.

Rubinson ruled last year that the charges filed over Raef's pursuit of shots of Justin Bieber were unconstitutional.

A three-judge appeals panel asked Rubinson to reconsider his ruling and indicated in a filing Jan. 28 that it believes the law is constitutional.

Raef's attorney David S. Kestenbaum had urged the judge to stick with his ruling.

City attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan declined comment on Rubinson's decision.