Description

While free speech, assembly, and petition are protected under the First Amendment, the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that, in order to promote the general welfare, the government may impose reasonable restrictions on when, where, and how individuals may gather for acts of expression. In Ward v. Rock Against Racism (1989) (a case challenging a New York City requirement that city-provided sound systems and technicians be used for all concerts in Central Park), the Supreme Court established a three-part test for time-place-manner restrictions, requiring that any such regulations are 1) content neutral 2) narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest and 3) leave open substantial alternative channels to express the speakers' viewpoint.