Fowler v. Rhode Island - 345 U.S. 67 (1953)

U.S. Supreme Court

Fowler v. Rhode Island, 345 U.S. 67 (1953)

Fowler v. Rhode Island

No. 340

Argued February 3, 1953

Decided March 9, 1953

345 U.S. 67

Syllabus

A municipal ordinance which is so construed and applied as to penalize a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses for preaching at a peaceful religious meeting in a public park, although other religious groups could conduct religious services there with impunity, violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the Federal Constitution. Pp. 345 U. S. 67-70.

80 R.I. ___, 91 A.2d 27, reversed.

Appellant's conviction for violation of a municipal ordinance was affirmed by the State Supreme Court. 80 R.I. ___, 91 A.2d 27. On appeal to this Court under 28 U.S.C. § 1257(2), reversed and remanded, p. 345 U. S. 70.