Cox v. Louisiana
United States Supreme Court
379 U.S. 559 (1965)
Relevant factsFree
Reverend Cox (defendant) obtained permission from the local police chief and sheriff to demonstrate roughly 100 feet from a Louisiana courthouse, but was nonetheless charged and convicted under a statute banning demonstrations "near" a courthouse with intent to obstruct justice or influence court officials; the term "near" left officials discretion in interpreting and enforcing the statute's boundary. Cox appealed his conviction.
IssueFree
Whether the Due Process Clause prohibits the government from prosecuting a defendant when the defendant has relied on the government's directives.