Davis v. Massachusetts

167 U.S. 43 (1897)

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Davis v. Massachusetts

United States Supreme Court
167 U.S. 43 (1897)

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Facts

The City of Boston adopted an ordinance prohibiting any public address on any publicly owned property without a permit from the mayor. Davis (defendant) was a preacher who often spoke to crowds on the Boston Common. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (plaintiff) charged Davis with and convicted him of violating this ordinance. He appealed to the Massachusetts Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (White, C.J.)

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