LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A judge who dealt jail sentences to Amish men who refused to pay traffic fines in a dispute over the use of reflective safety triangles on their buggies handed down an unnecessary punishment, a lawyer for the men says, noting the Kentucky Supreme Court will hear their appeal.

District Judge Deborah Crooks in western Kentucky's Graves County could have delayed the cases while the high court prepares to hear their religious freedom appeal, attorney Bill Sharp said this week. Crooks issued sentences of three to 13 days in jail for nine of the Amish men last week.

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