LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION
Right of Free Speech
Littlestown, PA: (Apr-25-08) The American Civil Liberties Union brought a lawsuit against the borough of Littlestown, on behalf of two residents, alleging that the borough infringed the residents' rights to free-speech. Kenneth and Virginia Frock, on whose behalf the suit was filed, stated that a quarterly $255.50 water bill was considerably higher than usual and asked the borough to check the water meter. Records show that the meter was found to be OK but was replaced anyway. The issue was not resolved, and Ken Frock showed up at the borough office to pay the bill in pennies.
Later, the Frocks displayed a 10-foot yellow banner in their front lawn that read, "We refuse to yield to 'Gestapo' tactics of Littlestown Borough." Following that move, the borough's code officer sent a notice to the Frocks in June that said the banner violated a borough ordinance and gave them 15 days to remove the sign without a citation. The American Civil Liberties Union claimed that such restrictions are not placed on signs of different sizes and content, making for an unfair law. Violating the ordinance can lead to a fine of up to $500. After the suit was filed, sources stated that the borough agreed to a temporary court order allowing residents to display political signs not in compliance with the ordinance. As part of a settlement reached in the case, the borough will also pay nearly $16,000 in attorney fees to Kenneth and Virginia Frock. [THE EVENING SUN: LITTLESTOWN SETTLES SIGN RESTRICTION LAWSUIT.]
Published on Apr-28-08
Later, the Frocks displayed a 10-foot yellow banner in their front lawn that read, "We refuse to yield to 'Gestapo' tactics of Littlestown Borough." Following that move, the borough's code officer sent a notice to the Frocks in June that said the banner violated a borough ordinance and gave them 15 days to remove the sign without a citation. The American Civil Liberties Union claimed that such restrictions are not placed on signs of different sizes and content, making for an unfair law. Violating the ordinance can lead to a fine of up to $500. After the suit was filed, sources stated that the borough agreed to a temporary court order allowing residents to display political signs not in compliance with the ordinance. As part of a settlement reached in the case, the borough will also pay nearly $16,000 in attorney fees to Kenneth and Virginia Frock. [
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