Citation

Denniston L, Banisky S. Sun (Baltim.) 1994; ePub(ePub): 1A, 9A.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, A.S. Abell)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12287355

Abstract

On January 24, 1994, the US Supreme Court ruled that abortion clinics may utilize anti-racketeering law in suits against anti-abortion blockaders. The 1970 anti-rackets law permits triple damages in cases of criminal activity that fits a pattern. The Court has not yet defined the First Amendment free-speech rights of anti-abortion demonstrators who attempt to shut down abortion clinics. The decision was issued in response to a 1986 lawsuit filed by 2 abortion clinics and the National Organization for Women. The suit cited hundreds of acts of arson, assault, clinic invasions and trespasses, and the theft of 4000 fetuses. Women sought damages from Operation Rescue and the Pro-Life Action League under both federal anti-racketeering and antitrust laws. Lower courts had previously ruled against both these claims, and the Supreme Court consented only to consider the anti-racketeering portion of the claim.

Language: en