This particular plot lasted through two presidencies, but never before has a court said that we can challenge it the way we have,” said Larry Hildes, a lawyer representing a group of anti-war activists challenging military spying and infiltration in anti-war groups.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a legal challenge to infiltration of anti-war groups Monday, creating a potential precedent for advancing the civil rights for demonstrators across the U.S. Although the case will be adjudicated in future proceedings, the first ruling is a major hurdle protecting First and Fourth Amendment rights of groups battling increased government censorship and military crackdowns.