The Michigan Supreme Court says it will decide whether to remove a Lansing judge from office.

In late December, Hugh Clarke Jr. was appointed to a vacancy at 54-A District Court by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Attorney General Bill Schuette says the appointment should have expired on Jan. 1.

Clarke replaced Amy Krause, a judge who was re-elected in November before getting a promotion by Granholm to the appeals court.

Clarke's lawyers say he's entitled to stay in office and face election in 2012. The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear arguments in May.