You are currently browsing all posts tagged with 'floyd abrams'

Flash Mob Violence and the Constitution

  • September 10, 2011 at 9:30 am

BY FLOYD ABRAMS

When large numbers of San Francisco residents, alerted by cellphone text messaging, appeared at Justin Herman Plaza on Valentine’s Day in 2006 to engage in a joyous public pillow fight, they began a yearly tradition that is regretted only by the public officials who are obliged to pay for the disposal of mountains of soggy feathers.

yet participants in more recent public gatherings, also quickly assembled via electronic messaging, have acted far more dangerously and sometimes lawlessly. in doing so, they have raised difficult policy and legal issues, including questions relating to the role of the First Amendment.

BY FLOYD ABRAMS

When large numbers of San Francisco residents, alerted by cellphone text messaging, appeared at Justin Herman Plaza on Valentine’s Day in 2006 to engage in a joyous public pillow fight, they began a yearly tradition that is regretted only by the public officials who are obliged to pay for the disposal of mountains of soggy feathers.

yet participants in more recent public gatherings, also quickly assembled via electronic messaging, have acted far more dangerously and sometimes lawlessly. in doing so, they have raised difficult policy and legal issues, including questions relating to the role of the First Amendment.

Flash Mob Violence and the Constitution

Related Reading:

Valentine's DayValentine's Day

8 Comments on Flash Mob Violence and the Constitution