AllExperts > 1st Amendment and Free Speech 
Search      
1st Amendment and Free Speech
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More 1st Amendment and Free Speech Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More 1st Amendment and Free Speech Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about 1st Amendment and Free Speech
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Michael Troy
Expertise
I will answer general questions regarding freedom of speech, petition, or religion. I specialize in cases involving public employment or education, as well as issues related to campaign finance. But I can`t give specific legal advice involving specific cases you might have.

Experience
As an attorney for the Center for Individual Rights, I worked on a number of free speech cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia, in which the Supreme Court upheld my clients' right to run a student newspaper without discrimination because of its religious conent. I also worked on White v. Julian, which protected the right of people to protest against a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

I also worked for the Federal Election Commission on several cases regarding the right to participate in the election process.

Organizations
Former Attorney for Center for Individual Rights.

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
J.D. from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Political Science > 1st Amendment and Free Speech > freedom of speech in religious matters

1st Amendment and Free Speech - freedom of speech in religious matters


Expert: Michael Troy - 9/30/2009

Question
Am I allowed to invite people to church or other religious activity in the state of PA verbally and/or in written form. Is there a restriction from doing that door-to-door verses in a mall on public streets, etc.

Answer
Hi Howard,

Please keep in mind that I cannot provide specific legal advice in this forum.  For that, you would need to speak with an attorney licensed in your state.

I will say generally, that unless someone is a government employee, people are generally free discuss religion, evangelize, or whatever else they wish.  On private property such as a mall, of course, one would have to abide by the policies of the owner.  If they prohibit such activities, they may remove anyone who does not abide by the owner's rules.  Similarly, government can place certain restrictions on any speech.  For example, you cannot simply walk into a school or library and begin preaching.  But to the extent one is on property open to the public and is not being disruptive or otherwise violating general laws, one would be free to engage in religious speech.

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.