The issue focused on all public financial statements, not just those for companies and federal programs.

Cohn said the court "appears to be saying that any political statement is fair game" in terms of laws against illegal campaign contributions.

In a legal brief filed last month, Justice Department lawyers argued that law enforcement officials can look at campaign finance reports from political candidates and political parties as part of their criminal investigations.

But civil rights groups have raised questions about whether such documents would help law enforcement officers