A state appeals court Wednesday turned down arguments by a former South Florida congressional candidate who was arrested for trespassing while collecting petition signatures outside a gun show.
A three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal rejected Christine Scott’s challenge to her conviction on a misdemeanor trespass charge.
Scott contended that the Florida Constitution provides a broader right than the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment to free speech on private property, according to the ruling.
Scott was arrested outside a gun show held on private property owned by South Florida Fair and Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc.
In the news: Skeletal Remains In 2007 Sarasota Cold Case Identified As 39-Year-Old Woman
Wednesday’s ruling, written by Judge Dorian Damoorgian and joined by Judges Martha Warner and Jeffrey Kuntz, said the part of the Florida Constitution does not “provide an expanded right requiring private property owners to permit political speech on their property over their objection.”
The ruling did not say when Scott was arrested, but she ran in 2022 as an unaffiliated candidate in Congressional District 23.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps