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"
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.