Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York

Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York, 519 U.S. 357 (1997), was a case heard before the United States Supreme Court. It ruled in an 8-1 decision that speech-free "buffer zones" around abortion clinics were constitutional. The Court held that "fixed buffer zones" were constitutional, but "floating buffer zones" were not.

Paul Schenck challenged a Federal District Court injunction that restricted anti-abortion "sidewalk counselors" from approaching abortion clinic clients and others with Bibles, tracts and anti-abortion message. The Court rules in Schenck's favor, striking down the restrictions as a fundamental violation of the First Amendment right of Freedom of Speech.

Full citation: 519 U.S. 357, 117 S. Ct. 855 (1997).