Aaron Spencer v. State of Arkansas

Summary

The court granted certiorari and vacated a circuit court gag order that broadly restricted speech by attorneys, parties, witnesses, public officials, court personnel, the defendant's family, and potentially others. It held that the order lacked an evidentiary basis, failed to consider less restrictive alternatives, was not narrowly tailored, and was impermissibly vague. The court also held that the circuit court exceeded its authority by sealing the entire case without the required findings.