SCOTUS Adopts New Regulation Intended To Ban Demonstrations On Plaza

Following a lower federal court’s ruling that a federal statute banning the wearing and display of signs on the Supreme Court plaza was unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has promulgated a new regulation that prohibits individuals from “engag[ing] in a demonstration within the Supreme Court building
and grounds. The term “demonstration” includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is
reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers. The term does not include casual use by visitors or tourists that is not reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.” (Regulation Seven, adopted June 13, 2013).