In May 2013 Kristen Jones helped organize a peaceful “March Against Monsanto” in a public park in Ann Arbor to protest genetically modified foods. She was told by Ann Arbor officials that she would have to pay about $1500 in fees for a permit and obtain an insurance policy. Although she raised the permit fee, she was unable to obtain insurance. When the food activists arrived at the park and a speaker used a hand-held megaphone, Ann Arbor police officers handcuffed Ms. Jones and arrested her for using “amplified sound without a permit.”

The ACLU of Michigan agreed to represent Ms. Jones because the insurance requirement is unconstitutional. After the ACLU intervened, the city dropped the charges and changed its policies.

(City of Ann Arbor v. Jones; Cooperating Attorney John Shea.)

To view the full 2013-2014 Legal Docket, click here.