Supreme Court of the United States
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York, Inc. v. Village of Stratton
June 17, 2002536 U.S. 150
Summary
The Court held that the Village of Stratton’s ordinance requiring a permit for door‑to‑door advocacy violates the First Amendment because it burdens anonymous speech and is not narrowly tailored to the village’s interests. The ordinance was reversed and remanded for further proceedings. The decision was accompanied by a dissent and two concurring opinions.
Holding
- Whether a municipal ordinance that requires a permit prior to door‑to‑door advocacy violates the First Amendment’s free‑speech and press protections, including the right to anonymous pamphleteering.. Yes. The ordinance is unconstitutional because it burdens anonymous speech and is not narrowly tailored to the village’s interests.
Docket 00-1737