The Town of Hempstead Democratic Committee has sued Nassau police and the town for denying it a request to hold a rally outside the presidential debate later this month.
President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney are scheduled to debate at Hofstra University on Oct. 16.
Newsday says the Democrats filed an order to show cause against the town and police in an attempt to get a permit for the rally.
Supreme Court Justice Jose Asarch heard arguments Thursday and is expected to rule soon.
Police said the Democrats can use a designated area about one-fifth of a mile east of the university’s gates.
Hempstead spokesman Mike Deery said the town never received an official application from the group. The Democrats said they made the request by phone.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.