Washington (CNN) -- In another dramatic victory for firearm owners, the Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional Chicago, Illinois', 28-year-old strict ban on handgun ownership, a potentially far-reaching case over the ability of state and local governments to enforce limits on weapons. A 5-4 conservative majority of justices on Monday reiterated its 2-year-old conclusion that the Constitution gives individuals equal or greater power than states on the issue of possession of certain firearms for self-protection. "It cannot be doubted that the right to bear arms was regarded as a substantive guarantee, not a prohibition that could be ignored so long as states legislated in an evenhanded manner," wrote Justice Samuel Alito.
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5-4 decision reiterates and expands conclusion in 2008 D.C. decision
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Due process section of 14th Amendment used in decision
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"A great moment in American history," NRA's Wayne LaPierre says
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Handgun control advocate says decision does not prohibit "sensible, strong gun laws"
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The basic question had remained unanswered for decades, and gave the conservative majority on the high court another chance to allow @placeholder expanded weapon ownership rights.