WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court will decide whether a judge can award more money to winning lawyers because the judge thought they did a good job.

The high court Monday agreed to hear an appeal from the state of Georgia over attorney fees for lawyers who sued to force dramatic changes in Georgia's foster-care system.

U.S. District Judge Hon. Marvin Shoob awarded them $10.5 million in attorneys' fees, a $4.5 million enhancement on top of a $6 million award. Shoob said he increased the award because of the exceptional results that children's advocates achieved. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to overturn his decision.

Lawyers for Georgia say appeals courts around the nation have split on whether a judge can give lawyers extra money based on their performance.

The case is Perdue v. Kenny A., 08-970.