Coates v. Cincinnati

402 U.S. 611 (1971)

Facts

An Ohio ordinance prohibits the congregation of three or more persons on street sidewalks if the gathering ‘annoys’ individuals passing by. The Appellant, along with three other college students conducted a march and picketed on the street sidewalk in violation of the ordinance. The Appellant contended that the ordinances are unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld the ordinance. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed in favor of the Appellants.