Lawyers accuse judge in 'Jena 6' trial of bias

(CNN) - A Louisiana appeals court has agreed to a request by attorneys for four of the "Jena Six" defendants to hear arguments that the trial judge in the case should be recused because of alleged prejudice.

District Judge Thomas Yeager will hear arguments next Friday for the recusal of Judge J.P. Mauffrey Jr., according to court documents released this week.

One of the attorneys, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the case in the small town of Jena, Louisiana, said the lawyers must prove "substantial bias" in their effort to have Mauffrey removed.