Poland moves closer to adopting new regulations on top court

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's lawmakers have approved a final version of legislation regarding the Constitutional Tribunal, in a move the ruling party says is intended to end the conflict around the top court.

The tribunal has been at the center of a controversy since the fall, when the conservative Law and Justice party took power and began efforts to gain control of the court. The tribunal has the power to block government-proposed legislation if it finds it unconstitutional.

The ruling party's moves have led international organizations and foreign leaders to say that Poland's rule of law is threatened and to urge the lawmakers to unblock the court.

The lawmakers voted Friday to approve a bill the ruling party said included suggestions from European law experts.