Sue Hartigan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court announced Monday it would decide the constitutionality of an anti-loitering law targeting gangs in Chicago. The justices agreed to review an Illinois Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down the law because it was overly vague and violated constitutional due process guarantees. The six-year-old Gang Congregation Ordinance allows police officers to break up a gathering of people in public if they believe anyone present is a street gang member. Police can arrest anyone who disobeys the order to disperse, or move on. "Whatever else might be said about a law requiring persons to obey all police orders, it is surely not vague," the city said in its appeal. "Under such a law, persons know exactly what is expected of them. The same is true under under the gang loitering ordinance." City officials did not dispute that the law may be flawed, but said they hoped the justices would recognize a "legitimate" balancing need for a municipality to curb gang activities. The American Civil Liberties Union opposed the appeal, saying the law was unclear and made it too easy for police to act arbitrarily. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case during its term that begins in October, with a decision likely early next year. -- Two rules in life: 1. Don't tell people everything you know. 2. Subscribe/Unsubscribe, email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the body of the message enter: subscribe/unsubscribe law-issues
