Commonwealth v. Dennis

The defendant was charged with a violation of G. L. c. 56, § 41, which makes a crime of the writing, printing, posting or distribution of anonymous circulars and posters which are designed to aid or to defeat any candidate for nomination or election to any public office or any question submitted to the voters.

The defendant wrote a four page tabloid circular under the name “Saugus News Enquirer,” devoted to commentary generally critical of incumbent selectmen of Saugus who were candidates for reelection. The defendant arranged for the printing and distribution without charge of the circular…