U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen this afternoon hears the activist group’s request for a court order barring the Capitol Police from requiring a permit allowing the Occupy participants to maintain a “tent city” in Capitol Park.

While smaller camping tents have been removed, two larger tents remain as a symbol of activists’ protest against what they see as uneven distribution of wealth. They also say they have a constitutionally protected right to maintain their presence there.

Last week, Occupy activists and police agreed to a standstill until the judge can rule in the case. Protesters agreed to not add to their encampment and police agreed to take no action to evict them.