Court rules airports not public forums

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court upheld a ban on solicitation at New York airports, but not a ban on pamphlet distribution, ruling that airports do not fit the criteria for a traditional public forum. Five of the justices argued that airports are public facilities with the primary function of providing transportation services and that can restrict access for security purposes, unlike most bus and train stations. Four of the justices agreed with the ban, but not the majority's reasoning.

Laws, regulations and rules, Airports, Forums (Discussion and debate)

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'Anti-littering' ordinance to stop home newspaper delivery is unconstitutional

Article Abstract:

The Georgia Supreme Court in Statesboro Publishing Corp. v. City of Sylvania struck down a municipal ordinance forbidding the distribution of free printed material to homes as a violation of the free speech provisions of the federal and state constitutions. The court's majority held the ordinance not to be narrowly tailored to protect urban beauty and prevent litter and not to provide for "meaningful alternatives of communication."

Georgia, Ordinances, Municipal, Municipal ordinances, Litter (Trash)

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Court strikes down hate-speech ordinance

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court has declared a St Paul, MN, hate speech ordinance unconstitutional in R.A.V. v City of St Paul. The court ruled that the ordinance attempted to regulate the content of speech, favored certain viewpoints over others and did not constitute a legitimate state interest. The court unanimously rejected the argument that the ordinance fit the constitutional category of 'fighting words.'

Hate speech, Overbreadth doctrine (Law), Overbreadth doctrine

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