Falwell v. City of Lynchburg, Virginia

OPINION

MOON, District Judge.

I. INTRODUCTION

In this case, Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Trustees of Thomas Road Baptist Church raise significant First Amendment concerns about certain Virginia laws, the histories of which trace their roots to the founding of the republic and the pen of Thomas Jefferson. In response, some De fendants assert the doctrine of sovereign immunity which, though a less noted constitutional issue, is no less important. In addition, this Court must analyze this case in accordance with the case or controversy requirement of Article III, in order to determine whether it may…