Free Speech & Association

Winnebago County v. Jacob Burns

Description:

Oshkosh resident Jacob Burns is contesting a ticket issued by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department for holding a political sign on a bridge over highway 41. The sign said: “No Bush; No Kerry; Vote Badnarik.” Michael Badnarik is the Libertarian Party candidate for President. The ticket violates Mr. Burns’ free speech rights.

Forum:

Winnebago County Circuit Court

Attorneys:

George Curtis, Oshkosh.

New Berlin Schools' Policy Prohibiting Political Campaign Activity on School Property

Description:

In violation of free speech rights, a New Berlin School Board policy allows a broad range of expressive activity on school property, including religious expression, but forbids “candidate forums, speeches by political candidates, and activities related to the promotion of or opposition to a particular candidate or political platform.”

Forum:

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Attorneys:

David Loeffler, Krukowski & Costello, Milwaukee; Legal Director.

"Protest Zones" at Political Rallies

Description:

At a Republican Party-sponsored campaign event for George Bush in LaCrosse on May 7, 2004, the police discouraged protesters from using sound equipment or banging on pots and pans, while allowing a marching band to practice nearby, videotaped peaceful protesters, asked for removal of an “offensive” political sign, and reacted to requests for an investigation with threats of prosecution for trespassing and possibly obstruction of justice. These police actions violated First Amendment speech, associational and petition rights.

Forum:

Letter to Police Chief requesting more constructive dialog with protesters.

Attorneys:

Legal Director