RALEIGH -- State attorneys for Gov. Mike Easley want a lawsuit dismissed that accuses his administration of violating public records law when his staff destroyed e-mails.

The lawyers responded Tuesday to a lawsuit filed by several media organizations.

Easley's attorneys argue that Wake County Superior Court lacks jurisdiction over the case. The attorneys argue that under the state's public records law, a judge can't grant relief beyond requiring disclosure of a public record.

Easley's press office has been accused of telling cabinet agency employees to delete or destroy e-mails sent to and from the governor's office. That would be a violation of state law.

The administration has denied the claims.

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