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Jefferson County Council: Ban on Personal Attacks During Public Comment Periods

Cases

Case Overview

The Jefferson, Missouri, County Council maintains rules for public comment periods at council meetings that prohibit “personal attacks.” On August 20, 2026, FIRE wrote the council, explaining that the vague, overbroad, and viewpoint-discriminatory prohibition infringes on the First Amendment rights of public commenters and urging the council to revise its rules.

Case Team

Brennen Vanderveen

Program Counsel

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