Originally published October 8, 2010. Updated October 2026.
On October 7, 2010, Managing Partner Noah Fardo teamed with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) to file a federal lawsuit challenging a City of Pittsburgh ordinance on the distribution of literature.
The lawsuit challenged Section 601.02 of the Pittsburgh City Code, which restricted the right to distribute literature in the city. The complaint argued that the ordinance was overbroad and vague and that it violated the rights to free speech and due process protected by the U.S. Constitution.
The plaintiffs were pro-life advocates who wanted to educate the public, especially ahead of the November 2, 2010 elections. They sought to hand literature to individuals and place it on unoccupied cars without fear of fines, penalties or censure.
Along with the complaint, Noah and the ACLJ filed a brief asking the federal court for immediate injunctive relief, so the plaintiffs could distribute their literature before the election without being punished under the ordinance. The brief relied on the U.S. Supreme Court’s long-standing view that the First Amendment needs “breathing space” and that laws restricting speech must be narrowly drawn.
Noah described the case simply: “The case is about the 1st Amendment. For years I have watched the courts step on the constitution and I am proud to work with the American Center for Law and Justice to help defend our constitution.”
In 2011, the City repealed the ordinance. Read the follow-up: Flaherty Fardo Help Protect Free Speech in Pittsburgh.
This case is part of our firm’s history. Today our practice focuses on personal injury, medical malpractice and property tax appeals. The same idea runs through all of it: ordinary people deserve someone willing to stand up for them. Learn more about Noah Fardo.
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