Assault weapons bans at stake in Highland Park, IL. case before Supreme Court

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Gun rights advocates are urging the Supreme Court to strike down a local Chicago-area ordinance prohibiting semiautomatic "assault weapons" that can fire more than 10 rounds at a time.

The justices on Friday were to consider the appeal in Friedman vs. City of Highland Park. If they refuse to hear the appeal, the announcement could come as early as Tuesday morning. Such a decision would signal that cities have the authority to restrict high-powered weapons.

But if the justices vote to take up the case, it would put in doubt the constitutionality of laws in other places that prohibit semiautomatic weapons.

"These are some of the most popular firearms commonly used by law-abiding citizens in America," said David H. Thompson, a lawyer for the Illinois gun owners who are challenging the assault weapons ban adopted in the North Shore suburb of Highland Park.

Stay tuned.