Merriott v. Bossier City: Speech and Decorum in Public Meetings

This episode from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals outlines a lawsuit brought by Weston Merriott against the City of Bossier City regarding speech restrictions at public meetings. The court examined whether the city's "Decorum Policy," which forbids "personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks," violates the First Amendment. In its ruling, the court found the policy facially overbroad and unconstitutionally vague because it grants officials too much discretion to silence criticism. The judges also addressed a "secret meeting" held by council members, determining that it likely violated the Louisiana Open Meetings Law. While the court upheld the city's right to restrict "boisterous" behavior, it largely reversed the lower court’s dismissal, allowing Merriott’s civil rights claims to proceed.