Here's an interesting bit of conspiracy theory history. Interwoven into the fabric of this case is Catholocism, Judaism, Communism, Zionism, First & Fourteenth Ammendment issues, rioting, etc.

Somewhere recently I read that the U.S. Supreme Court has put all its cases & decisions online.

Look for:

Cases Adjudged in the Supreme Court of the United States at October Term, 1948.

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Terminiello v. Cicago.
Certiorari to the Supreme Court of Illinois.
No. 272. Argued February 1, 1949.--Decided May 16, 1949.

Mr. Justice Douglas delivered the opinion of the Court.

"...The arguement here has been focused on the issue of whether the content of petitioner's speech was composed of derisive, fighting words, which carried it outside the scope of the constitutional guarantees...

The vitality of civil and political institutions in our society depends on free discussion...

only through free debate and free exchange of ideas that government remains responsive to the will of the people and peaceful change is effected. The right to speak freely and to promote diversity of ideas and programs is therefore one of the chief distinctions that sets us apart from totalitarian regimes...

a function of free speech under our system of government is to invite dispute...

may indeed best serve its high purpose when it induces a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, or even stirs people to anger...

freedom of speech, though not absolute, Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, supra, pp.571-572, is nevertheless protected against censorship or punishment unless shown likely to produce a clear and present danger of a serious substantive evil that rises far above public inconvenience, annoyance, or unrest." (pp 3,4)

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vM:

Justice Jackson wrote a lengthy dissenting opinion & Justice Burton joined him in it. The dissent is also worth reading and raises interesting points that I tend to dispute. Jackson also said some things about which one would do well to think.

Ideally, saith the lawyers, a case should be decided in such a way that both parties are less than entirely pleased with the outcome.

Do take the time to look up this case and read it in its entirety.

vM