Document: 383 U.S. 131 86 S.Ct. 719 15 L.Ed.2d 637 Henry BROWN et al., Petitioners,v.STATE OF LOUISIANA. No. 41. Argued Dec. 6, 1965. Decided Feb. 23, 1966. [Syllabus from pages 131-132 intentionally omitted] Carl Rachlin, New York City, for petitioners. Richard Kilbourne, Clinton, La., respondent. Mr. Justice FORTAS announced the judgment of Court and an opinion in which THE CHIEF JUSTICE DOUGLAS join. 1 This is fourth time little more than four years that this has reviewed convictions by Louisiana courts alleged violations, a civil rights context, State's breach peace statute. In three preceding cases were reversed. Garner v. State Louisiana, 368 157, 82 248, 7 207, decided December 1961, involved sit-ins Negroes at lunch counters catering only to whites. Taylor 370 154, 1188, 8 395, June 1962, concerned sit-in waiting room but depot, reserved 'for whites only.' Cox 379 536, 85 453, 13 471, January 1965, leader some 2,000 who demonstrated vicinity courthouse jail protest arrest fellow demonstrators. each these demonstration was orderly. each, purpose participants denial guaranteed them state federal constitutions petition their governments redress grievances. none there evidence planned or intended disorder. circumstances might have led chargeable protesting participants.1 2 found record utterly barren support under Title 14, Article 103(7) Criminal Code, then defined crime 'disturbing peace' specific detail.2 The contained no boisterous disorderly actions 'passive conduct likely cause public disturbance.' U.S., 173 174, S.Ct., 257. Taylor, arose statute as amended read its present form, see p. 138, infra, per curiam set aside despite 'restlessness' among white onlookers. Finally, Cox, held fact would not permit application Louisiana's statute, large scale demonstrations petitioner's speech occasioned 'grumbling' on part Petitioner demonstrators group, though 'well behaved,' far silent, 543, 546, 457, 459.3 As 'additional reason' why conviction could be sustained, Court, citing Terminiello City Chicago, 337 1, 69 894, 93 L.Ed. 1131, Edwards South Carolina, 372 229, 83 680, 9 697, applied Supreme had done, it unconstitutional because vagueness breadth definition 'would allow persons punished merely peacefully expressing unpopular views.' 551, 462. See supra, 237, 684. 3 Since case precisely before our decision announced, well supposed that, without further ado, we vacate remand light Cox. But incident leading occurred library thought raise materially different questions, heard argument considered extenso. 4 locus events Audubon Regional Library town Parish East Feliciana. front building used facility where patrons obtain services. It small room, containing two tables one chair (apart branch assistant's desk chairs), stove, card catalogue, open book shelves. referred regional librarian, Mrs. Perkins, 'the adult reading-room, service-room.' permitted 'registered borrowers' 'browse' books borrow books. A borrower' produce identification showing he registered Library. Other space included headquarters library. 5 operated jointly Parishes Feliciana, West St. Helena. branches bookmobiles. bookmobiles served 33 schools, both Negro, 'individuals.' One red, other blue. red bookmobile persons. blue Negroes. permissible inference libraries.4 6 registration cards issued stamped with word 'Negro.' Negro possession such entitled books, bookmobile. person receive service He wait until came around, go tidy plan challenged Saturday, March 7, 1964, about 11:30 a.m. Five young males, all residents Feliciana Parishes, went into reading Clinton. assistant, Katie Reeves, alone room. She met men 'between tables' asked if she 'could help.' Brown requested book, 'The Story Negro' Arna Bontemps. Reeves checked ascertained Branch did so advised Brown, told him request Library, notified upon receipt 'he either pick up mailed him.' 'his point testified expected leave; they not, leave. They not. sat down others stood near him. said nothing; noise talking. called another Perkins remained. Neither nor sheriff, '10 minutes' arrival library, sheriff deputies arrived. arrested them. been morning members Congress Racial Equality 'were going sit-in' Ordinarily, testified, CORE tells when are demonstrate picket. standing his 'place business' saw 'these colored males coming street.' enter notify deputies, reached immediately after got there. When arrived, noise, disturbance. leaving do officer.' obtained 28, 1964. An accompanying said, 'You may return mail Blue Bookmobile.' reference color vehicle obviously designed facilitate vehicle. only. 10 course counsel petitioners stated Clinton closed 7. Counsel also court use 'Negro' continues practice 11 On 25, companions tried guilty. sentenced pay $150 costs, default thereof spend 90 days parish jail. His $35 charge congregated together 'with intent provoke thereby' failed refused 'to leave premises ordered so' librarian sheriff. 12 accused reads follows: 'Whoever peace, thereby: (1) crowds congregates * place fails refuses disperse move on, any law enforcement officer authorized shall guilty disturbing peace.'5 Under law, appealable. 161—162, 250—251, 207. Petitioners sought discretionary review denied application, finding error. granted certiorari, 381 901, 1445, 14 284, reverse. We briefly dispose certain threshold problems. cannot constitutionally convicted comply order Shuttlesworth Birmingham, 382 87, 90—91, 211, 213, 176; Wright Georgia, 373 291—293, 1240, 1245, 1246, 349; Johnson Virginia, 61, 1053, 195; cf. 579, 469 (separate Black). itself conjunctive; requires on. Without must noted petitioners' presence unquestionably lawful. facility, public. access since welcome. 292, 1245; Watson Memphis, 526, 1314, 529; supra. Petitioners' deportment while unexceptionable. neither loud, boisterous, obstreperous, indecorous impolite. There claim apart continuation—for ten fifteen minutes—of itself, provided basis leave, peace. come, then, barebones problem. Petitioners, five men, remained total minutes. first few moments occupied ritualistic response. assume response constituted service, need consider whether gambit ritual. ceremony being out way, proceeded business hand. quietly, monuments against segregation charged 16 If compare situation Garner, inevitably conclude here, too, slightest sustain 'intent peace,' 'circumstances occasioned' acts question. hint either. beguiled ritual copy Negro.' petitioner friends search night reading. instead rest manifest stage peaceful orderly demonstration, peace.' 17 Nor 'occasioned' actions, alternatively provides. empty, except librarians. patrons. onlookers vigilant forewarned deputies. nothing even remotely provocative. danger, existed, surely less 'white' Garner. And danger occur disorder result 'restless' people bus depot 100 300 cases, countenance 18 however, issue presented much simpler statement indicate. issue, asserts State, simply using 'as loaf make nuisance themselves.' argues 'test'—the demonstration—was concluded entered served. Having satisfied themselves, runs, get should departed. Instead, there, 'staring vacantly,' 'enough unnerve woman in.' piquant version affair, matter hardly points. game. won handily gesture particular request. dispute system segregated, possible doubt fact. agree ingenuous characterization events, violation breaching; disorder, indicating actions. sole statutory provision invoked contains occupying minutes, purports punish bare refusal obey unexplained command withdraw street, building. can find language fact, elevate giving Reeves' discomfort, however sympathize her, Louisiana. Cf. 101, 218 (concurring opinion). 19 sharper answer for. here dealing aspect basic constitutional right First Fourteenth Amendments guaranteeing freedom assembly, Government Constitution reiterates guaranties. Art. I, §§ 3, 5. repeatedly stated,6 confined verbal expression. embrace appropriate types action certainly include peaceable manner silent reproachful presence, protestant every be, facilities.7 Accordingly, within scope instrument, required assess impact hold case. 235, 683. deliberately purposefully solely terminate reasonable, orderly, limited exercise facility. Interference right, exercised, intolerable Constitution. 1245. 20 unhappy circumstance library—a dedicated quiet, knowledge, beauty. sad commentary hallowed bore ugly stamp racism. sad, which, reasonably enough circumstances, confrontation between those discriminated representatives offending parishes. Fortunately, made disturbed demonstration. Perhaps method carefully chosen mind. Were otherwise, factor considered. Here, disturbance others, disruption activities, regulations. 21 instrumentality may, course, regulate libraries facilities. reasonable nondiscriminatory manner, equally applicable administered equality all. provide facilities invoke regulations use—whether ad hoc general—as pretext pursuing engaged lawful, protected fundamental rights. 293, 1246. 22 below 23 Reversed. 24 BRENNAN, concurring judgment. 25 violating § 14:103.1, provides: 26 thereby street highway, sidewalk, municipality, parish, act committed, La.Rev.Stat. 14:103.1 (Cum.Supp.1962). 27 551—552, 463, declared construed overbreadth: 'is sweeps broad activities free assembly.' holding concurred my Brothers Black, 559, 576—580, 466, 467—470, Harlan White, id., 591, 475. No limiting construction1 legislative revision2 intervened, makes declaration invalidity controlling here. overbreadth recognized therefore reversal convictions. 28 appellants streets sidewalks, Because contended dissent, post, involve 'phases' 14:103.1—a 'public sidewalk phase' contrast phase.' Insofar dissection meaningful, does inapplicable;3 phases overbroad poses serious threat 29 First. discerned inhere terms street' sidewalk'; inhered phrase 'breach interpreted mean agitate, arouse repose, molest, interrupt, hinder, disquiet.' Nothing courts' decisions rejects interpretation phase s 14:103.; anything proscribed inapplicable. 30 especially context phases, contrary dissent's suggestion, 162, restricted to, aimed at, 'trespassers government property'; separate criminal prosecution, explicitly deals trespassing buildings.4 Moreover, I reject suggestion making on' element crime, narrow sufficiently trespass property keep off crime. seeks curb breaches risks occurring through crowding, apparently permits wide range requisite order, formal customary procedures followed issuing instantaneous unquestioning compliance required. For example, trial below, applying assumed employee authority occasion ejected preserve segregated character 291—292, 1245—1246, 349. 31 Second. posed peace'—that sweep protected—is conjunction building' sidewalk.' protection undertaken desegregate governmental services therein derives Amendment guarantees speech, assembly,5 Equal Protection Clause's prohibition racial Overbreadth inhibit threatening punishment initial efforts secure desegregation. reaching whites, refuse rendered. section courtroom, 195, yet punishable deemed 32 clearly applications decide actual protected; 'in appraising statute's inhibitory effect rights, hesitated take account factual contexts besides bar.' N.A.A.C.P. Button, 371 415, 432, 328, 337, 405. suffices arguably 'not sort 'hard-core' prohibited construction'6 14:103.1. achieve desegregation protest, expressed continued presence. quiet. Their relatively short period time, interfere functioning embarrassed unnerved librarians, past faithfully observed policy segregation; 'vague disquietudes'7 outside limits. gave reason leave,8 thus believed seeking rights;9 Brother Black Feiner People York, 340 315, 327, 71 303, 310, 95 265, 'at least allows, courtesy explanation commands elements good official democratic society.' convictions,10 wholly unnecessary reach, let reversal, prevailing seems do, proposition narrowly drawn 'statute case.' 34 WHITE, result. 35 clear lingering minutes ordering wanted contravened explicit ordinance, regulation general 10-minute interlude receiving departure exceeded what generally contemplated normal difficulty joining case, insistence condition concerning sufficient conviction. deem forbid municipal loafing rooms. 36 kind comes me record. ordinance brief sojourn departed common users. very quiet interfered users reveals considering themselves day. think remained, difficult believe group notice, arrested, rather escorted building, reluctance demonstrated. That institution habit allowing underlines situation. view, behavior purposes depart significantly contemplate. 37 conclusion entering refusing forgo normally evidence, library? exhibited provocative behavior. institution, desired offers convincing record, avoid were, deny equal laws. 38 BLACK, whom CLARK, HARLAN, STEWART join dissenting. 39 United States forbids 50 Union, including unlawful 'sit-ins' 'stand-up' advertising objections policies. That, majority majority1 holds forbidden dissent. opinions written reverse necessary relevant facts, issues view 40 Representatives (CORE) claimed 'locked out' 'demonstration planned' organization integrate Library,' accordingly petitioners, Negroes, located Saturday Library.' county whose office sight received information 'they (referring CORE) sit-in, something morning,' noticed way Upon inside assistant librarian. courteously help way. handed her slip paper title wanted. shelves catalogues, search, back probably this. desk, around again send sit stand, know understood sent Along 'what Constitution?' given repeated telling 'that seemed want served.' About according Perkins' testimony just call over phone, explained taken wanted, available, so. After learning speaking Thereupon never talked unusually loud voices bad language. Beyond Brown's have, prior seek otherwise library's sitting purposes. 41 one. appears almost entirely circulating duty disputed, 'To assist come select books; check them; circulation day.' 'lobby,' took place, table side; chair. mainly display magazines. citizens cared to. trial, 'very read; it, go.' 'We maintain such, it.' later 'lobby' 'adult 42 statute,2 convicted, implications opinions, previous time. provides 43 *, municipality 44 charged, substantially lawful 45 crucial narrower complicated implies, several matters discussed are, judgment, irrelevant, justify inferences I. 46 concluding relies 697. appreciable bearing 47 (a) 1961. involving 'sit-in' counters, old added described Court's opinion. contain similar consideration offense disturb congregating rightfully construing new section, expressly contrasted reach older 168—169, 254—255. significant differences distinguished opinion, hard how meaningful 48 (b) second 395. today 'concerned only." supported custom rooms race' law. 156, 1189. indication persons, having whatever policy, occupy depot's competent authorities 49 (c) relied most heavily Brennan 471. unlike one, picketing patrolling streets, correspondingly kinds activity. relating buildings person, problems hand, other, quite distinct. Public libraries, schoolhouses, fire departments, courthouses, executive mansions maintained perform vital functions. Order tranquility unknown essential operation. Contrary incomprehensible measure disturbances identical standards. Furthermore, vice discriminatory enforcement, contaminates statute,3 beset activity buildings. fast rule, officers abuse enforcing BRENNAN's contention unconstitutionally vague creating convicted. true means parts offenses 30-odd diverse enumerated ranging obscene remarks gestures, causing bus, private owner. placed great jeopardy country. thing. wrote, indicates intention sweeping condemnation statutes. 'persons congregate affect threaten construe scrutiny regulates whole ambiguity whatever. Persons ordinary intelligence knowing asks Petrillo, 332 5—8, 67 1538, 1540—1542, 91 1877. words 'narrow specific.'4 require remain contrary. 51 (d) cites based assure application. Here buildings, courts, describe offense. states principle studying, conducting protests 52 recall, restricts power enforce extremely underlying existence. II. 53 extent treat attempting denying race. Whatever present, places discrimination practiced These treated perhaps suggests ceremonial else. lady nevertheless hunted use.5 indicated attempted printed matter. shows, admits, stayed 'monuments protest' voice disapproval State. Although branch's unambiguously although shows White implied treatment subterfuge sham. aspersions justification. refers 'tidy plan' State; says ritual'; insinuates playing 'game' courteous degraded calling 'gesture service'; moreover, 'piquant affair.' innuendos defense District Attorney, argued us, frankly forthrightly denial. now merits. III. 54 best tell, ground rely prove assumption properly construed, unless stay long big language, engage fighting, try fight, become boisterous. blatant, manifestation aggressive hostility exceedingly 'sojourn' foreseeably we. Doing goes sense understanding. While soft undoubtedly turn away wrath, it. Disturbers always rattle swords shout invectives. high challenge too many acquiesced, groups mistreated actually public's whatever, wherever, whenever want, regard disturb. 55 intents trespassers property. addition, subdivision (4) same Both provisions thereby.' history behind laws States. Invasion man's surest ways like pass knowledge widespread prevalent hermit ignorant 56 established disputes question possibly arise regarding created occasioned. plan, once librarians' completely disrupted. To sure, '100 onlookers' surely, opinion's futile effort meant grumbling crowded tiny staffed women, department store terminal thoroughfare Short physical violence, upset normal, So rests violated, substitutes satisfies requirements happened substitute theirs. upsets settled doctrine statutes see, e.g., 166, 253; Kingsley Intern. Pictures Corp. Regents University, 360 684, 688, 79 1362, 1365, 1512, builds shifting sands ignore realities life IV. 57 already hold, wrongfully think, complete lack charge, ventures attempt questions. says: 58 'Accordingly, 59 sometimes gone questions avoided possible. journey opposite direction. Apparently unsatisfied unsure 'no evidence' reversing convictions, 'deliberately facility.' First, am constrained say unsupported exercising 'right protest.' arrests. so-called establishes doctrine. purposes, librarians magazines, papers. espoused broader meaning. (the Amendments) custodians supervisors country stand helplessly advocating another, 'stand-ups' dramatize views issues. remembered cause, will assert causes legal, appealing Court. paralyzed control suppose next step paralyze schools. Efforts difference instance, full 60 prevails carried Fourteenth. past, heart liberty exist.6 startling creates. Amendment, protects writings, expression legitimately validly communicated. gives wherever please, Indeed 574, 476, 485, 487. Though assembly along press, religion, guarantee someone else's property, owned express dissident ideas. novel exalts nongovernmental determine elected officials Nation. 61 comfort questionable mind.' selected, representative aware it.7 suggested lawyers responses lawyer indicate patron 'sat in' 'stood up' shakily established, pretty organized protesters overlook chance learn, 'demonstration' publicity. 62 laments 'a beauty.' lament deeply troubled fear powerful throughout Nation action, do—that is, granting license invade tranquillity beauty quarrel exist. needed justice, encouraged advance worthy taking own hands Governments ours formed rule force. Illustrations gathered peaceably extraordinarily discipline reinforced officers. 'Demonstrations' manifestations force crowd moved noble ideals mob ruled hate passion greed violence tomorrow. ever doubted now. songs love stirring Marseillaise revolution successive mobs chaos in. stop look closely going. 63 affirm. Participants unprovoked critics react violence. 462—463; 1131. Compare 267, speaker haranguing 75 80 listeners; Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 568, 766, 1031 ('fighting words'); Niemotko Maryland, 268, 289, 325, 336, 267 Frankfurter, J.). problem 'heckler's veto,' Kalven, pp. 140—160 (1965). read: 'Disturbing doing following alarm public: '(1) Engaging fistic encounter; '(2) Using unnecessarily offensive, insulting language; '(3) Appearing intoxicated condition; '(4) violent tumultuous persons; '(5) Holding assembly; '(6) Interruption people; '(7) Commission unreasonably public.' disputed 'orderly well-controlled,' clapped sang spoke arrests addition obstructing passageways demonstrating courthouse. Convictions grounds 466. finds Laura Spears, witness employed See, 428—431, 335—337, 405; 201, 271 Harlan); Alabama, 357 449, 460—463, 78 1163, 1170—1172, 1488; Stromberg California, 283 359, 369, 532, 535, 1117. op. cit. n. 129—138. 99, 217, 176 opinion); Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 491, 1116, 1123, 22. Joseph Burstyn, Inc. Wilson, 343 495, 72 777, 96 1098, Commercial Regents, 346 587, 74 286, 98 329, Int'l 1512. declaring individual purporting auditorium, sidewalks. La.Acts 1963, 91, amending re-enacting 14:63.3 dissent (1), charges property.' Post, 162. However, modified introductory clause thereby'; establish 'premises another' proved. 201—202, 271—272, 207 (opinion Harlan): 'There desire counter police counter. blind recognize knew served, race dining 'Such 'free trade ideas,' Abrams States, 250 616, 630, 17, 22, 1173 (Holmes, J., dissenting), expression, commonly 'speech.' It, appeals discussion,' Whitney 274 357, 375, 641, 648, 1095 (Brandeis, concurring), as, than, oration delivered soapbox corner. speak, 'liberty' Gitlow 268 652, 666, 625, 629, 1138, mere 1117; Thornhill 310 88, 736, 84 1093; Virginia Board Education Barnette, 319 624, 633—634, 1178, 1183, 87 1628. 460, 1170, 1488. displaying flag symbol opposition encompassed privately consent owner, enforced segregation, protections.' often forum traditional forms activity, Thomas Collins, 323 516, 65 89 430 (city hall); 1131 (auditorium building). 491—492, 1123—1124. 535—536, 1319—1320, 529. Buchanan Warley, 245 60, 81, 16, 20, 149; Cooper Aaron, 358 1401, 1409, 5; 1189, 395; 1246; cross-examination 'Q. Sheriff, you people, defendants, demonstration? 'A. occupants I; What tell in, conversations people? Not them, wouldn't didn't anything. Did mention wanting States? then? don't said. assured you, point, ask leave? did. you— 'A.—And choice leaving, officer. anybody noise? noise. Prior your asking defendants reference-books Library? there.' 1245: 'Obviously failing violative Constitution.' embodies invidious exemption: '(N)othing herein apply bona fide legitimate labor legal picketing, concerted interest accomplishing securing favorable wage standards, hours employment working conditions *.' My 581, 470, passages (La.Rev.Stat. 14.100.1 (Cum.Supp.1962)) embody 'an Clause Amendment' exemption coverage union activities. below. FORTAS, convenience majority's 'prevailing' joined DOUGLAS. BRENNAN WHITE concur grounds. 578—580, 468—470. vague. pointed above, unconstitutional. note describing read, 'Wendall Arna, Negro: Bontems.' book. dissenting Milk Wagon Drivers etc. Meadowmoor Dairies, Inc., 312 287, 301—302, 552, 558—559, 836. Miss Feingold, task worker witness, direct examination Was particuar Sturday morning? You opposed day? Yes? No, don't.'

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