Document: 394 U.S. 111 89 S.Ct. 946 22 L.Ed.2d 134 Dick GREGORY et al., Petitioners,v.CITY OF CHICAGO. No. 60. Argued Dec. 10, 1968. Decided March 1969. Marshall Patner, Chicago, Ill., for petitioners. Raymond F. Simon, respondent. Mr. Chief Justice WARREN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This is a simple case. Petitioners, accompanied by Chicago police and an assistant city attorney, marched in peaceful orderly procession from hall to mayor's residence press their claims desegregation public schools. Having promised cease singing at 8:30 p.m., marchers did so. Although petitioners other demonstrators continued march completely lawful fashion, onlookers became unruly as number bystanders increased. police, prevent what they regarded impending civil disorder, demanded that demonstrators, upon pain arrest, disperse. When this command was not obeyed, were arrested disorderly conduct. 2 Petitioners' march, if orderly, falls well within sphere conduct protected First Amendment. See Shuttlesworth v. City Birmingham, 147, 935, 162; Brown Louisiana, 383 131, 141—142, 86 719, 723—724, 15 637 (1966) (prevailing Fortas); Henry Rock Hill, 376 776, 84 1042, 12 79 (1964); Fields South Carolina, 375 44, 149, 11 107 (1963), reversing 240 S.C. 366, 126 S.E.2d 6 (1962). There no evidence record petitioners' disorderly. Therefore, under principle first established Thompson Louisville, 362 199, 80 624, 4 654 (1960), convictions so totally devoid evidentiary support violate due process. 3 The upreme Court Illinois suggests convicted manner which conducted but rather refusal dispense when requested do police. 39 Ill.2d 47, 60, 233 N.E.2d 422, 429 (1968). However reasonable request may have been however laudable motives, charged holding demonstration, obey officer.* As we said Garner 368 157, 164, 82 248, 251, 7 207 (1961): '(I)t much denial process send accused prison following conviction charge never made it convict him there conviction.' also In re Oliver, 333 257, 273, 68 499, 507, 92 L.Ed. 682 (1948). Finally, since trial judge's permitted jury acts clearly entitled Amendment protection, Stromberg California, 283 359, 51 532, 75 1117 (1931), independently requires reversal these convictions. 5 judgments are reversed. Reversed. DOUGLAS, while joining concurring BLACK, joins opinion. 8 STEWART WHITE concur judgment join its insofar holds Strongberg cannot stand. 9 with whom DOUGLAS joins, concurring. 10 I think highly important case more detailed consideration than Court's gives it. It way tests ability United States keep promises Constitution makes people Nation. Among those appearing Preamble statements ordained basic charter 'in Order form perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility * secure Blessings Liberty ourselves our Posterity *.' Shortly after original adopted, again undoubtedly attempt 'secure Liberty,' Bill Rights added Constitution, Amendment, later applicable Fourteenth provides that: 'Congress shall make law abridging freedom speech, or press; right peaceably assemble, petition Government redress grievances.' 1954 held laws segregating on basis race color schools unconstitutionally denied Negroes equal protection laws.1 Negroes, many others who sympathized them, cooperatively undertook speed up desegregation. These groups adopted plans streets carrying placards, chanting, songs, all designed publicize grievances various units government, state national, grievances. Their activities along lines quite obviously aroused emotional feelings both part opposed changes local customs 'picketers' 'demonstrators' advocated. Agitation between brought about sharp conflicts clashes, threats, fights, riots, near-riots. Court, be sure, has had difficulties differences deciding precise boundaries dividing constitutionally permissible impermissible field.2 disputes over whether can hold unconstitutional because deems them 'unreasonable,' 'arbitrary ' contrary fundamental standards ethics, morals, conscience.3 Fortunately, however, need concern us here. For pointed out cases subordinate constitutional power regulate picketing, demonstrating, parading statutes ordinances narrowly drawn abridge rights press, assembly, petition, neither nor time demonstrating passed any such laws.4 facts arrests occurred these. 13 Petitioner Gregory his group become dissatisfied Benjamin Willis, Superintendent Chicago's school system, moving speedily enough desegregate While Mayor Daley appear legal authority remove Dr. Willis,5 evidently believed could cause removed he wanted so, prodding therefore directed against Willis. began near Loop District 4:30 p.m. ended five miles away neighborhood Daley's home. A lieutenant four sergeants, forty policemen met gathering place Grant Park. addressed marchers, saying: 14 'First will go snake pit (city hall). leave there, snake's house (the home). Then, continue home until fires Ben Willis (Superintendent Schools).' hall, then Mayor's away, arriving Assistant Attorney park reached neighborhood, marching around Meanwhile crowd spectators kept increasing, language rougher tougher. events leading arrest set detail Supreme agree fully court's description events, reprinted appendix episode finally came conclusion 9:30 Fearful threatening onlo kers longer contained, asked area. refused, violation ordinance, follows: 16 'All persons make, aid, countenance, assist making improper noise, riot, disturbance, breach peace, diversion tending limits city; collect bodies crowds unlawful purposes, purpose, annoyance disturbance persons; deemed guilty conduct, thereof, severally fined less one dollar two hundred dollars each offense.' Municipal Code § 193—1. 17 'record shows determined effort allow peacefully demonstrate same maintain order.' outside propagandizing views protests, order. Indeed, face jeers, insults, assaults rocks eggs, maintained decorum speaks determination simply tell side complaints. Even 'snake' 'snake pit' invectives used unlike some hecklers, remained general give-and-take heated political argument. Thus best efforts faithfully discharge responsibilities officers citizens, nevertheless unable restrain hostile hecklers decent bounds. disclosed point unerringly conclusion, namely, diametrically opposed, deep-seated air grievances, side, streets, tranquility order even joint finest desire most law-abiding protestors 18 truth, promote safeguard freedoms, repeatedly warned governmental connected freedoms through use sweeping, dragnet may, vagueness, jeopardize freedoms. cases, careful does bar enactment regulating though specifically only obnoxious carefully aimed forbidden conduct.6 dilemma revealed crying example law. duty indeed define precision just lawfully enacted deal situations like confronted here protestors, conscientiously trying duties understood them. Plainly, mandate leaves powerless pass protect kind boisterous disturbs spots selected either homes, wherein escape hurly-burly business world, buildings require peace quiet carry functions, courts, libraries, schools, hospitals. 19 ordinance not, law, particularly certain kinds picketing highways. Nor times places activities. To contrary, might better described meat-ax comprehensive definition offense words multiplicity meanings, would cover activity average person necessarily left uncertain attitudes mind Who, example, possibly foresee noise speech 'improper'? That, course, depend sensibilities, nerves, tensions, countless things. Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 308, 60 900, 905, 1213 (1940), common-law confusing imperil rights. But how infinitely doubtful including 'diversion *'! Moreover, goes crime 'collect Such authorize protest displeased onlookers, course ground encroach Thornhill Alabama, 88, 736 (1940); Edwards 372 229, 83 680, 697 (1963); Cox 379 536, 85 453, 471 (1965). And must remembered tiniest bit thought illegal here—that is, policeman's 'peaceably grievances' entire five-mile walking group, language, chants songs treated city's attorney specially lawful, lawless, 20 so-called peace' limited entirely exclusively fact policeman special concluded observing dangerously close rioting likely engulfed ordered leave, Gregory—standing rights—refused 'diversion' complained 'other persons' inflicted. guilt 'disorderly conduct' turns instanter individual area Since council legislature statute forbidding disruptive residential involved 'disorderly' bound peril. democratic system lawmaking entrusted moment-to-moment beat. Laws, valid laws, representatives chosen future, whose enforce already alre dy criminal. One proudest boasts man innocent engaged in, See, e.g., Chambers Florida, 309 227, 236, 472, 477, 716 (1940). let equivalent criminal comes government men laws. 559, 579, 468 (1965) (separate opinion). ample ways without subjecting clumsy unwieldy weapon. 21 recognizing serious problems raised written, argues should affirmed light narrowing construction placed That court 'does stop demonstration merely demonstrators. where imminent threat violence, stopped explained request, time, otherwise made.' 429. 23 interpretation binding authoritative limitation written into itself. end problem. infringement cured unforeseeable common intelligence realized law's scope relevant committed, cf. Lanzetta New Jersey, 306 451, 456—457, 59 618, 620 621, 888 (1939), remains excessively sweeping narrowed, Winters York, 665, 840 Petitioners dispose latter ground. They raise troublesome questions concerning extent which, narrowed construction, still depends mere suggest obligation audience sufficiently clear. 24 necessary resolve issues present case, applied here, infringed reason. Whatever validity theory convicted. explaining elements jury, judge read ordinance. find whether, apparently requires, 'an violence,' 'made demonstrators.' Rather, sufficient decide 'improper noise' peace,' 'collect(ed) persons.' 25 fact, far taking account limiting factors stressed based precisely opposite theory. instructed, objection, 'the Defendants violated considered you determining innocence Defendants.' Th significance instruction context apparent—the told ignore violence committed attempts directly responsible them.7 Under circumstances, compels aside Willings North 317 287, 292, 63 207, 210, 87 279 (1942): 26 'That say, verdict know rendered (an unconstitutional) alone, specify rested. follows grounds invalid Federal sustained.' 27 At tried, yet announced instructions supplied unadorned statute. possible demonstrated had, persons,' onlookers. ground,8 convictions.9 28 agreeing convictions, wish once say render picketers, 'speech,' 'press,' 'assembly,' 'petition,' terms Narrowly picketers impossible draft. elect legislators want passed. Passage passage constitutes final analysis choice policies elected people. 29 I, mean intimate abridged long unchanged Constitution. grants broad free exercise distinguished subject Nation uncontrollable whim arrogance speakers, writers, protesters, grievance bearers. Goldberg wrote 554, 464 (1965): 30 'The society, everyone opinions beliefs express address time. guarantee liberty implies existence organized society maintaining order, itself lost excesses anarchy.' 31 Were trifling permit anyone complaint vast anything pleased, wherever whenever habits social, political, economic, ethical, religious, wiped out, relics gone forgotten past. Churches compelled welcome invaders scoff jeer; highways available purposes constructed dedicated own purposes. perhaps worse changes, sacred retreat families repair privacy daily living, doors thrown open desired convert occupants new views, life. Men women office compelled, office, lose comforts unpicketed believe ages, endure except changed provides, create monumental weaknesses. Speech are, free, matters discussed impunity. regulated men. homes men, sometimes last citadel tired, weary sick, noisy, marching, tramping, bent filling minds women, children fears unknown. 32 reasons reversal. 33 APPENDIX TO OPINION J., CONCURRING. 34 Excerpt From Opinion Illinois. 35 'About P.M. abreast, walked went loop. south State Street 35th proceeded west Lowe Avenue, distance hall. 3536 Avenue. increased arrived 8:00 o'clock addition counsel. suggestion counsel, agreed quit Commander Pierson, district commander 9th encompasses area, Lieutenant Hougeson corner assumed operations. 36 'There youngsters sign 'We Love Daley' tried started 3500 block testified back line marching. 'Don't don't answer back. Don't worry going you. Just If hits anything, try remember look like, above means, hit Keep straight tight.' chanted 'Ben go, Snake Daley, also;' go—When?—Now;' snake, down street;' 'Hey, Hey, know, go' also.' carried signs read: aley fire Willis;' 'Defacto, Desmacto, segregation;' now;' 'Mayor Willis.' sang Shall Overcome' Not Be Moved.' 37 taverns closed during march. Police task force, districts surrounded located. intersections spread blocks. rest 100 assigned block. across street marchers. equipped walkie-talkie radios relay reports conditions bullhorn 38 'As neighbors coming homes. On second residents moved lawn sprinklers onto sidewalk get water. third trip water removed, presumably himself several instances accumulating interfering 'One stood front line, stopped. didn't move move. After few minutes, officer standing moved.' He fourth (about P.M.) yelling windows door doors. About chanting quietly. before 9:00 150 formed ahead (Hougeson) me got way. said, have.' avoid appearance move, crossing 36th thus crossed opened pathway 300 confined street. 'Sergeant Golden steadily hundred, 9:20 seemed come everywhere 1,000 1,200. During unruly. shouting threats. 'God demned nigger, hell here;' 'Get niggers—go belong here' break your blankety-blank head open.' Cars horns blowing. Ku Klux Klan Alabama Trooper song. Children playing musical instruments cymbal, trumpet drum. 40 'Rocks eggs being crowd. dodging attempted catch threw Sergeant 'You see teen-agers behind You boil something heads my partner apprehend doing couldn't vanish crowd.' further 9:25 P.M., 'They saying, 'Let's them,' step ff curb cross push force. Once somebody run grab ahold throw 41 Pierson situation dangerous becoming riotous. co-operate lead times. wished given escort. Three accepted proposal escorted remaining taken vans. 42 'While considerable describing defendants, complete reading give true picture confronting advised short 43 HARLAN, result. 44 Two afoul well-established principles, call ambulatory sweep see, 186, 263, (1961) (Harlan, J. judgment), possibility rested (1931). 45 Brother BLACK scores, solely Neither defined Board Education, 347 483, 74 686, 98 873 (1954). (1965); Adderley 385 39, 242, 149 (1966). 235—236, n. 8, Rochin 342 165, 72 205, 96 183 (1952); id., 174, 205 (concurring opinion); Ferguson Skrupa, 726, 1028, 93 (1963). nearest thing 36—31 required permits parades 'any way' meeting way.' failing obtain permit. gave effective permission sending trained every foot '(d)eeply embedded traditional policy often tougher truer dead text,' Nashville, C. & St. L.R. Co. Browning, 362, 369, 968, 972, 1254 Respondent asserts Ill.Rev.Stat., c. 122, (1967), Schools accountable Education Mayor. 736, 1093 Giboney Empire Storage Ice Co., 336 490, 69 684, 834 (1949); Scull Virginia, 359 344, 838, 865 (1959). chambers, '(T)he replete Jury consider neighbors, silent not. why people, on, seems virtue question bother Jurors unless of.' 680 453 Cole Arkansas, 196, 514, 644 (1948); 338 345, 70 172, 94 155 (1949).

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