Staub v. City of Baxley (1957)
- Docket
- 48
- Decided
- 1957-01-01
- Category
- General
Summary
Question: Does an ordinance requiring union organizers to obtain a permit before recruiting violate free speech? Conclusion: Yes. In a 7-2 decision, Justice Charles E. Whittaker wrote the majority opinion reversing the conviction. The Supreme Court held that the ordinance violated free speech because it made the enjoyment of speech contingent on the will of the mayor and city council. The mayor and city council had too much discretion in granting or denying permits. Justice Felix Frankfurter wrote a dissent, stating that case should be left to the Georgia Courts. Justice Tom C. Clark joined in the dissent.