1st Amendment

On Civil Disobedience

A quick word to friends who are considering engaging in civil disobedience. Be prepared! If you disobey police orders, you are subject to arrest.

The police have broad power to enforce public order. During a protest, instigators are subject to arrest for “public order offenses” such as affray and disturbing the peace. Though the Boston Police tend not to arrest people in en-masse, if you repeatedly disobey an officer’s order, you will probably be arrested. (Note, State Police and Federal law […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:37:58+00:00August 17, 2017|1st Amendment, Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Overviews|0 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy

1st Amendment, LGBT Rights

St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy

In light of the still-ongoing controversy regarding LGBT groups’ efforts to march in Boston’s St. Patrick’s day parade, I’d like to revisit the 1995 Supreme Court case that upheld the parade organizers’ right to exclude such groups.

The St. Patrick’s day parade has a long history in Boston. The City of Boston was the official sponsor of the parade until 1947, at which point Mayor Curley granted authority over the parade to the South Boston Allied Veterans War Council, a […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00March 5, 2014|1st Amendment, LGBT Rights|0 Comments