David Russcol speaks to The Concord Bridge about harassment and free speech

Attorney David Russcol spoke to The Concord Bridge about the prosecution of a local resident for violating a harassment prevention order protecting school superintendent Laurie Hunter.  Hunter had obtained a harassment prevention order against John Grace after he engaged in actions over the course of the last few years that targeted her. Last month, Grace was charged with violating that order because he is alleged to have placed makeshift scarecrows around the town with messages including “the hatchet for Hunter” and “fire liar Hunter.” Attorney Russcol noted that signs calling for Hunter’s ouster as superintendent are likely protected speech that cannot be the basis for a harassment prevention order or criminal prosecution. If, however, the messages are deemed to be threats of violence, that would remove the First Amendment protection afforded to speech.

Read the article.

Learn more about restraining orders and harassment prevention orders here.