The ACLU and the Rhode Island Center for Justice are joining the legal fight on behalf of a homeless encampment in front of the Rhode Island State House.
A complaint was filed in RI Superior Court on Tuesday.
It argues the residents are exercising free speech rights by protesting the state's homelessness situation.
A handful of Rhode Islanders lacking shelter begin living in tents outside the state capitol building in early autumn.
The numbers grew, and things came to a head last week when staffers for Governor Dan McKee handed out eviction notices.
The evictions were temporarily halted by a judge.
A hearing in the matter is scheduled for today.
It is unclear whether the judge will rule from the bench or take the case under advisement.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)