A case is currently before the Supreme Court challenging D.C.'s ban on handguns, which is among the strictest in the nation. The case represents the first comprehensive review of the Second Amendment ever undertaken.

Supreme Court justices heard arguments on the case in front of a packed courtroom in March. The gun ban critics assert that the law is a violation of the Second Amendment. City leaders believe the ban would curb crime in the district , and argue that the Second Amendment does not protect the absolute right to own a handgun.

Edith Mudd knows the devastation handguns can cause all too well. "In 1996 my son was killed. One bullet to the head. My only child. My heart."

Her 19-year-old son was shot to death in Southeast D.C. Ever since that day, she's supported the District's gun ban, joining the Brady Campaign in the belief fewer guns will mean less crime.

"For years we've felt local communities, local states should decide what sort of gun laws make sense for their community," Paul Helmke with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence said. Instead, the case is being decided by the nation's highest court.

"If the constitution requires an individual right to keep and bear arms, it doesn't make any difference what the D.C. government thinks about it," said Allen Foster, American Hunters & Shooters Association.

Area residents' opinions vary. "I do support getting a gun if you want to use it for your own personal defense," Anne Blakeslee said. Disagreeing, Ali Harrison said, "I feel like if you give more people guns it gives them an easier way to react to someone and just shoot them."

Most analysts expect the Supreme Court will strike down the D.C. gun ban. But to what extent their ruling addresses the second amendment, could have far reaching effects on gun laws nationwide.

Edith Mudd just hopes justices remember that her story is far from unique. "So many women have lost children to guns and violence."

D.C. officials are hopeful the court will rule in their favor, but they know are facing tough odds. If the ban is overturned, the district is likely to toughen its hand gun licensing to try to protect its citizens.

The justices are expected to rule on the case Thursday, or the end of June at the latest. No matter which way they rule, the outcome is likely to have a nationwide impact.