Constitutionality of “Disorderly Conduct” OrdinanceCity of Virginia Beach v. Smith (amicus)

Following a nasty, racially charged verbal confrontation with a woman in a local grocery store, Miles Smith was charged under Virginia Beach’s disorderly conduct ordinance. The ordinance forbids “any person to disturb the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct or by threatening, challenging to fight, assaulting, fighting or striking another.” We filed an amicus brief in support of Smith’s Motion to Dismiss on December 9, 2004, arguing that the statute is unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. Oral arguments on the motion were heard on March 1, 2005.

Court Documents:

Brief Amicus Curiae of American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Inc.- Circuit Court, VA Beach

Attorney(s)

Rebecca Glenberg, ACLU of Virginia

Date filed

December 9, 2004

Court

Virginia Beach Circuit Court

Status

Closed