Criminal Law

Edwards v. South Carolina, 372 U.S. 229 (1963)

Facts: Edwards v. South Carolina is based upon an event that occurred on March 2, 1961. This is when 187 people peacefully marched upon the state capital of South Carolina to voice their problems with the inequalities facing African-Americans. After being ordered to disperse, they were arrested under the charge breach of the peace. They sued the state (in 1961) claiming that they violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The evidence showed that there was no threat of violence directed at public safety or the officers involved. Instead, the protestors sang patriotic and religious songs in unison. ("Edwards v. South Carolina," 2011)

Issue: The main issue was; does the state have the right to enforce these laws when someone is peacefully demonstrating. Moreover, do they have the right to publically assemble in order to highlight their views to elected...
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