Muslims seek to reverse ruling that allowed New York police surveillance in NJ; case in court

Kameelah Rashad demonstrates Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, outside the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. The 3rd U.S. Circout Court is scheduled to weigh an appeal of N.J. decision that allows New York City police to spy on Muslim communities in the city and elsewhere. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

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Protesters demonstrate, in view of Independence Hall, after Muslim residents of New Jersey were in court to try to reverse a ruling that found New York City police could legally monitor their activities, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, outside the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. Two civil rights groups, Muslim Advocates and the Center for Constitutional Rights, argued their appeal Tuesday before the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. The plaintiffs include a U.S. soldier, a school principal and several Rutgers University students. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

Protesters demonstrate after Muslim residents of New Jersey were in court to try to reverse a ruling that found New York City police could legally monitor their activities, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, outside the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. Two civil rights groups, Muslim Advocates and the Center for Constitutional Rights, argued their appeal Tuesday before the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. The plaintiffs include a U.S. soldier, a school principal and several Rutgers University students. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

PHILADELPHIA – Muslim residents of New Jersey will be in court to try to reverse a ruling that gave New York City police the right to monitor their activities.

The plaintiffs Tuesday include a U.S. soldier, a school principal and several Rutgers University students. They believe the ruling from U.S. District Judge William Martini of Newark violates their civil rights.

The case involves the New York Police Department's decision to spy on Muslim groups at mosques, restaurants and schools since 2002. The practice has come to light through a series of Associated Press articles.

Martini said that police could not keep an eye on Muslim terrorist activities "without monitoring the Muslim community itself."

Two civil rights groups are appealing his ruling to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.