The issue focused on so-called government rights, with many police officials going to court in national courts and military courts.

A white law enforcement official who has been working on the case said "if you have your head down" on what they are doing, it is hard to see them using such legal force.

In particular, at least one federal judge was expected to follow Justice Department lawyers' lead and allow other states to address some of the questions about how they may use law enforcement law enforcement officers