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• May 20, 2008 2:04 pm US/Eastern
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  Philadelphia Gun Laws Debate Heads To Court

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Philadelphia Gun Laws Debate Heads To Court

A judge plans to hear arguments Tuesday on Philadelphia's attempt to enforce local gun-control laws.

The National Rifle Association argues that local governments, under Pennsylvania law, do not have the power to enact gun legislation.

The five city ordinances passed April 10 would ban the sale of assault weapons; require owners to report a lost or stolen gun within one day; and limit firearms purchases to one a month.

Mayor Michael Nutter came after two gun shops, Colosimo's and Firing Line, who are challenging the laws with the help of the NRA.

"Colosimo's and Firing Line are among a very tiny fraction of gun dealers who have multiple sales to the same individuals in less than five days," Nutter said.

The NRA's complaint is based on Pennsylvania state law that says the state legislature is the only body that can create gun control measures.

"The city is doing that which they know is impermissible and illegal under existing state law," said NRA attorney C. Scott Shields.

Neither of the gun shops taking part in the suit were named in any way to any type of straw purchases. Owners of the shop say a majority of their customers making multiple purchases are in law enforcement.

The arguments are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon before Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan.

(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)