Police Department of the City of Chicago v. Mosley

408 U.S. 92 (1972)

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Police Department of the City of Chicago v. Mosley

United States Supreme Court
408 U.S. 92 (1972)

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Facts

The city of Chicago adopted an ordinance that prohibited picketing within one hundred fifty feet of a school. However, it exempted peaceful labor picketing from this general prohibition. Before passage of the ordinance, Earl Mosley (plaintiff) frequently picketed Jones Commercial High School in Chicago. Mosley protested against black discrimination at the school, and was always orderly and peaceful. The Police Department of the City of Chicago (defendant) informed Mosley that if he continued to picket, he would be arrested. Mosley filed suit in federal district court challenging the ordinance as a violation of the First Amendment. The district court dismissed the complaint, but the court of appeals reversed and held the ordinance unconstitutional. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Marshall, J.)

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