City of Greenville v. Bane

Appellant, a street preacher, was convicted in municipal court of violating a city ordinance prohibiting molesting or disturbing others. On appeal, the circuit court affirmed Appellant’s conviction, finding the ordinance was constitutional and that the municipal court judge properly denied Appellant’s motions for a directed verdict and a new trial. This Court certified the case pursuant to Rule 204(b), SCACR. We reverse.

FACTS

Appellant was convicted of violating a City of Greenville ordinance (the ordinance), entitled “Molesting, disturbing, or following persons,” which provides:

It shall be…