Pamphlet Pusher’s Suit Closed

Larry Ball, 78, was arrested and convicted of trespassing while distributing leaflets outside the arena. Ball responded by suing the city for punitive damages and legal fees, claiming that the sidewalk was public property and that he did not need to comply with security’s requests to leave.

The city said the area is contracted to private tenants and is quasi-public, but Ball said the issue was one of free speech. The summary judgment issued by U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp June 25 brings the case to a close.