Final arguments in challenge to Phila. gun laws

Final arguments are slated for this afternoon in the National Rifle Association's court challenge to five new city gun laws.

The NRA is seeking to block enforcement of the ordinances, which include limits on handgun purchases to one a month and the mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms.

Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan has indicated she agrees with the NRA's position - that state law prevents the city from regulating guns in any way.

Legal precedent says that only the legislature can do that; the city is arguing that at least one recent decision allows a window for the city to craft laws to address its particular violence problems.

Greenspan is to decide whether to enter a permanent injunction against enforcement of the city statutes. Her decision will almost certainly be appealed all the way to the state Supreme Court.