The justices began an hour of debate about scope and intent of decade - old statute . Statute supporters say it should stop profiting from the cruelty and abuse of animals . Rifle groups , National Rifle Association say the law is overly broad . Case is first prosecution in the United States to go to trial under the 1999 law .
The justices heard an hour of debate about scope and intent of decade-old statute . Statute supporters say it helps stop profiting from the torture and abuse of animals . Media groups , National Rifle Association say the law is overly broad . Case is first prosecution in the United States to go to trial under the 1999 law .