Kurland v. City of Providence

  • Filed: 12/08/2014
  • Status: Active
  • Latest Update: Dec 08, 2014
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Summary

This is a successful federal lawsuit against the Providence Police Department for violating the "clearly established" free speech rights of two protesters at a fundraiser in Roger Williams Park for then-Gubernatorial candidate, Gina Raimondo. The suit alleges that the police department's actions amounted to a "willful" violation of the "constitutionally protected right of people to peaceably assemble and demonstrate in public parks," and seeks various court imposted remedies, including monetary damages.

Attorney(s):
Richard A. Sinapi

News & Commentary

Dec 08, 2014

ACLU Sues Providence Police Again For Violating Free Speech Rights of Protesters

The ACLU of Rhode Island Monday filed a federal lawsuit against the Providence Police Department for violating the “clearly established” free speech rights of two protesters last year at a fundraiser in Roger Williams Park for then-Gubernatorial candidate, and now Governor-elect, Gina Raimondo. The suit alleges that the police department’s actions amounted to a “willful” violation of the “constitutionally protected right of people to peaceably assemble and demonstrate in public parks,” and seeks various court-imposed remedies, including monetary damages. The suit notes that only six months earlier in another ACLU case, a federal judge condemned the Providence police department’s practice of “clearing vast public spaces” of people engaged in free speech activity without legal cause.

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Learn More About the Issues in This Case

First Amendment View All Issues

Related News & Podcasts

News & Commentary
Dec 08, 2014
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  • First Amendment

ACLU Sues Providence Police Again For Violating Free Speech Rights of Protesters

The ACLU of Rhode Island Monday filed a federal lawsuit against the Providence Police Department for violating the “clearly established” free speech rights of two protesters last year at a fundraiser in Roger Williams Park for then-Gubernatorial candidate, and now Governor-elect, Gina Raimondo. The suit alleges that the police department’s actions amounted to a “willful” violation of the “constitutionally protected right of people to peaceably assemble and demonstrate in public parks,” and seeks various court-imposed remedies, including monetary damages. The suit notes that only six months earlier in another ACLU case, a federal judge condemned the Providence police department’s practice of “clearing vast public spaces” of people engaged in free speech activity without legal cause.