U.S. Supreme Court Backs Ruling on Rockwell’s Right to Speak in N.Y.

The United States Supreme Court today, in effect upheld the Constitutional right of George Lincoln Rockwell, leader of the American Nazi party, to hold a public meeting in New York. The high tribunal refused to rule on a petition by New York City Parks Commissioner Newbold Morris, who had appealed from a ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals.

Rockwell had originally asked for the permit for a rally scheduled for July 4, 1960. On the grounds that such a rally would foment rioting, due to Rockwell’s anti-Semitism, the permit was refused by Commissioner Morris and Mayor Robert F. Wagner. On appeal the New York court ruled in favor of Rockwell, declaring “the right of free expression is not to be entrusted to administrative, previous restriction for contemplated violations of the law.”