Judge sets rules for hearing on immigration law

A judge has set ground rules for the first major court hearing in a legal challenge to Arizona’s new immigration law.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton is giving lawyers on each side 20 minutes on Thursday to make comments on Gov. Jan Brewer’s request to throw out the challenge filed by Phoenix police Officer David Salgado.

Bolton also is giving lawyers on each side 30 minutes on Thursday to argue over the officer’s request to put the law on hold and prevent it from taking effect on July 29.

The officer’s lawyers argue that federal immigration law will trump the state law.

State officials say the challenge should be dismissed because the suits are based on mere speculation that the law will harm people.