Legal
Colorado ACLU Cases

Legal Department Docket, 2002-Present

Case Name: Fleming v. City of Alamosa
Case Number: (Resolved without litigation)
ACLU Case Number: 2003-04

Description: In response to the war in Iraq, and to express his view that the country was in distress, John Fleming displayed a flag upside-down in the store window of his business in Alamosa, Colorado. Relying on an antiquated Colorado statute that makes "contempt of flag" a crime, City authorities told Fleming to take the flag down or face a criminal prosecution. The ACLU of Colorado intervened and persuaded Alamosa authorities that Mr. Fleming's display was symbolic expression that is fully protected by the First Amendment.

Issues: Freedom of Speech

ACLU of Colorado Attorneys: Mark Silverstein

Links to Selected Documents:

News Release, April 15, 2003, "Alamosa business owner may resume displaying American flag upside down to express his views on Iraq war"