Eastern Connecticut Citizens Action Group v. Arthur B. Powers

IRVING R. KAUFMAN, Circuit Judge:

The right to communicate freely with one’s fellow citizens and with the government' on issues of public importance is a cornerstone of our American polity. The broad precepts of the First Amendment protect those who seek “peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Expression of views on political issues must, however, be accomplished without unduly disrupting the orderly functioning of government. Accommodating the right of public speech and the state’s need to discharge its responsibilities to its citizenry efficiently…