Edwards v. South Carolina (1963)

Facts:
In March 1961, a group of 187 Black students protested against racial discrimination in South Carolina by holding a peaceful demonstration on the grounds of the state capitol. The Legislature was in session, but it was not disturbed by the demonstration. When confronted by police, the students engaged the officers with religious messages and singing patriotic songs, but the students were arrested and convicted for breach of the peace.

Issue:
Can states prohibit peaceful demonstration on the grounds of the state capitol?

USSC Ruling: Convictions reversed 8-1

Reasoning: Justice Potter Stewart wrote for the majority

• Streets, parks, and other similar public places belong to the citizens for the discussion of public policies.
• The arrest abridges the students' speech, assembly, and petition rights.
• This is the classic use of First Amendment freedoms.

Peaceful, non-disruptive, demonstration about public policy issues on the grounds of the state capitol is protected by the First Amendment.