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DISTRIBUTING FIJA LITERATURE IN FRONT OF COURTHOUSES

FIJA activists frequently stand out in front of courthouses, or in the juror's parking lot, and

distribute FIJA brochures to all passersby. The best time to be there is when the whole jury

pool is first assembled (often on Monday mornings; be there bright and early). At this time

they are not official jurors, and the authorities are less likely to hassle you.

FIJA activists should make it clear that they are only passing out information of general

interest to all jurors, and not trying to influence any particular case. FIJA literature, which

informs jurors of their rights and powers in general terms and which seeks reform of the judicial

process, is protected speech under the first amendment. If other people present are passing out

literature protesting the case or cases which happen to being going on inside, fine. It is their

right to protest, and the sidewalk is a traditional public forum for first amendment purposes.

(U.S. v. Grace et al, 461 U.S., 1983)

Literature distribution is most effective if you dress neatly and conservatively, smile, and are

polite. A FIJA button in your lapel would also be appropriate.

Thousands of people have now distributed FIJA literature at courthouses, the vast majority

without any trouble. Although a few people have been hassled, some even arrested, we have

rarely had anyone convicted of anything for passing out FIJA brochures. One conviction was

for disobeying a court injunction to cease literature distribution (this is being appealed at this

time). If you are facing contempt charges for violating an injunction, as things stand now, you

do not get a trial by a jury of your peers; instead, a judge decides if you are "guilty". Another

arrest and conviction was for refusing to cease literature distribution and leave the interior of

a courthouse (also being appealed).

Usually when the authorities decide there is not much they can actually do to stop brochure

distribution, they stumble over themselves in their haste to dismiss charges or otherwise back

down. Perhaps they come to realize that prosecuting you for jury tampering will mean giving

FIJA brochures to your jury as evidence... and they realize that distributing

political/informational brochures in a public place is a clearly protected first amendment right.

In addition, prosecutions are liable to generate a great deal of local media interest and exposure

for FIJA's message--and this is the last thing judges and prosecutors want!

You're more likely to encounter trouble if you insist on distributing brochures inside the

courthouse, but it has been done successfully. In any case, if the powers that be react at all,

expect them to warn you first and ask that you leave. Some of our activists have refused to

leave because they were trying to be arrested, but couldn't induce an arrest. And some

"arresting authorities" are now facing civil suits brought by FIJA supporters.