Frisby v. Schultz (1987)
- Docket
- 87-168
- Decided
- 1987-01-01
Summary
Question: Does a city ordinance prohibiting picketing in front of residential homes violate the First Amendment? Conclusion: No. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor delivered the opinion for a 6-3 court. The Court held that since the street constituted a traditional public forum, the ban must satisfy strict standards in order to remain. Since the ban is "content neutral," "leaves open ample alternative channels of communication," and serves a "significant government interest," the Court ruled that it passed the strict standards and could remain. The city government had a legitimate purpose in protecting the homes of its residents, and did so without favoring one idea over another or eliminating the ability to communicate an idea.