Edwards v. South Carolina is significant because it limited states’ ability to



protect protestors.
restrict the freedom of speech.
convict criminals.
restrict the freedom of the press.

Respuesta :

Edwards v. South Carolina is significant because it limited states’ ability to :

restrict the freedom of speech.


In March, 1961, a number of African-American high school and college students gathered at Zion Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. From there they marched in groups to the South Carolina State House in a peaceful protest march concerning civil rights of black American citizens. They maintained a peaceful, non-violent approach throughout their activity. Nevertheless, police officials insisted that they had to stop their assembly and disperse within 15 minutes, or be arrested. They did not disperse; they sang spiritual and patriotic songs. 187 persons were arrested and charged with disturbing the peace.


The students who were arrested and punished sought justice through the court system, and their case, known as Edwards v. South Carolina, was decided by the US Supreme Court in 1963. The Court held that the Constitution (specifically the 1st and 14th Amendments) did not allow state government officials or police to force a crowd to disperse when they are otherwise behaving legally. Marching in front of a state house in a peaceful manner is a protected form of free speech. Edwards v. South Carolina protected the right of citizens to assemble and express their views in a peaceful protest.

Edwards v. South Carolina is significant because it limited states’ ability to restrict the freedom of speech.

Further Explanations:

Edwards versus South Carolina ruling was delivered by the “Supreme Court” of the US in 1963. The Court held 1st and 14th Amendments of the Constitution didn't grant state government representatives to force a horde to disband despite they are doing something illegal. Trooping opposite to the statehouse in a non-violent way is protected under free speech. Edwards versus South Carolina sheltered the right of citizens to gather and express their visions in a non-violent manner.  

In March 1961, numerous African-American students of high school and college gathered in front of “Zion Baptist Church” of Columbia, South Carolina. Later they marched to the “South Carolina State House” in a peaceful manner advocating for the civil rights of black citizens. They maintained a peaceful, non-violent protest until the police officials ordered them to halt their protest and disperse within 15 minutes. They refused to disperse and started singing patriotic songs. Around 187 protesters were arrested and were charged for disrupting the peace.

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Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: History

Chapter: Edwards versus South Carolina

Keywords:  Edwards versus South Carolina, Supreme Court, illegal, non-violent, manner, Zion Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina, South Carolina State House, peace.