ALBANY, Ga. (AP) -- Three south Georgia judges have asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit against them.

The lawsuit was filed last month in Albany by the Southern Center for Human Rights against Cordele Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge John Pridgen, Superior Court Judge T. Christopher Hughes and Superior Court Judge Robert Chasteen, Jr.

It claims the judges and two sheriffs routinely deny access to people who want to observe hearings in jail courtrooms.

In documents filed Tuesday, lawyers for the judges argue that it cannot be concluded from the allegations that the judges conducted "closed hearings."

The judges also asked the court to deny a preliminary injunction requested by the plaintiffs. They argue an injunction would be against the public interest and also said the plaintiffs couldn't demonstrate likely harm.