This was a First Amendment lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Rhode Island in response to a Pawtucket ordinance related to signage on personal property. On Thursday, July 28, 2022, a judge granted a TRO - temporary restraining order - in the case, temporarily halting enforcement of the ordinance. On December 6, 2022 a consent judgement was entered declaring the ordinance unconstitutional.
Jul 27, 2022
ACLU Sues Pawtucket over Political Sign Restrictions; Hearing on Restraining Order Set for Thursday 7/28/22
Seeking to vindicate the free speech rights of political candidates and their supporters, the ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Pawtucket ordinance that bans the posting of political signs on residential property more than 30 days before an election.
Aug 06, 2007
Lawsuit Challenges Town's Removal of Congressional Candidate's Political Signs
The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of former Congressional candidate Rod Driver, seeking a court order and damages against the Town of Richmond and police chief Raymond Driscoll for repeatedly removing Driver’s political signs from private property during the last election. The suit, filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Richard A. Sinapi, claims that the defendants’ actions amounted to a willful violation of Driver’s First Amendment rights.
Mar 07, 2011
North Kingstown Political Sign Case Resolved
Various constitutionally problematic provisions in North Kingstown’s political sign ordinance have been rendered unenforceable under a consent judgment that has been filed in federal court, settling a lawsuit that the Rhode Island ACLU filed last year against the Town.
Related News & Podcasts
Jul 27, 2022
ACLU Sues Pawtucket over Political Sign Restrictions; Hearing on Restraining Order Set for Thursday 7/28/22
Seeking to vindicate the free speech rights of political candidates and their supporters, the ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a Pawtucket ordinance that bans the posting of political signs on residential property more than 30 days before an election.
Aug 06, 2007
Lawsuit Challenges Town's Removal of Congressional Candidate's Political Signs
The ACLU of Rhode Island today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of former Congressional candidate Rod Driver, seeking a court order and damages against the Town of Richmond and police chief Raymond Driscoll for repeatedly removing Driver’s political signs from private property during the last election. The suit, filed by ACLU volunteer attorney Richard A. Sinapi, claims that the defendants’ actions amounted to a willful violation of Driver’s First Amendment rights.
Mar 07, 2011
North Kingstown Political Sign Case Resolved
Various constitutionally problematic provisions in North Kingstown’s political sign ordinance have been rendered unenforceable under a consent judgment that has been filed in federal court, settling a lawsuit that the Rhode Island ACLU filed last year against the Town.
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