In a federal case challenging the First Amendment buffer zone imposed in the Karen Read murder trial, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has enjoined the police from unconstitutionally enforcing Judge Cannone’s buffer zone order. See below.
The U.S. District Court found that the majority of the people cited by the police for violating the order had actually not violated it. The U.S. District Court stated emphatically that “Law enforcement officers are enjoined from enforcing the Buffer Zone Orders in ways that are inconsistent with this decision. Prior to enforcement, law enforcement officers must be able to clearly articulate, without speculation, how any individual violated the Buffer Zone Orders, consistent with this decision.”
This firm proudly represented three amici organizations in this matter: the First Amendment Lawyers Association (FALA), the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). Our firm filed a brief on our clients’ behalf arguing against the buffer zone as unconstitutional and also were heard at oral argument.
The decision is below. Well done and congratulations to Marc Randazza, who represented the plaintiffs.