The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear a court challenge to a federal law passed more than 150 years ago, according to a report by the Associated Press.
At issue is whether Congress had the constitutional authority to impose a ban on distilling spirits in private homes.
The ban was enacted in 1868 to prevent producers from evading federal excise taxes, but the Texas-based plaintiffs, the Hobby Distillers Association, argue that Congress overstepped its taxation powers.
Under federal law, home distillers face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Lower court decisions have been split, with one upholding a federal ban and another ruling in favor of the plaintiffs.
The Supreme Court agreed to review the latter ruling, which was issued by a Fifth Circuit Court panel.
