RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The state Supreme Court says the courts have the sole discretion in Virginia whether felons who have served their time can have their firearm rights restored.

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The justices ruled Friday in the case of two felons who had their political rights separately restored by former Gov. Tim Kaine and current Gov. Bob McDonnell.

In both instances, the governors restored the former felons' rights to vote, hold office and sit on a jury.

Both former felons, however, were not granted the right to ship, transport, possess or receive firearms.

The two appealed to circuit courts in Fairfax and Buchanan County, and both denied the appeals.

The Supreme Court returned both appeals to the lower courts for further review.