Case Law Index
federal2014
Additional Highlights:First AmendmentFree SpeechBuffer Zones
McCullen v. Coakley
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
Massachusetts' 35-foot buffer zone around abortion clinic entrances is an unconstitutional restriction on free speech as applied to peaceful sidewalk counselors.
Case Summary
McCullen v. Coakley struck down a Massachusetts law creating fixed 35-foot buffer zones around abortion clinic entrances, holding it violated the First Amendment by burdening substantially more speech than necessary to serve the state's interests.