Many media organizations have accused Easley and his administration of violating the state's public records law for deleting e-mails.
The lawsuit was filed after a former administration spokeswoman described a policy of deleting e-mails sent to and from the governor's office.
Last month Governor Bev. Perdue ordered that most e-mails sent or received by executive-branch employees should be preserved to comply with public records laws. Easley issued a similar order on is last day in office.
Judge Howard Manning gave his okay to Perdue's order and said it complies with transparency laws.
