Source: ACSOL
The Missouri Attorney General (AG) filed today a request for review, also know as petition for certiorari, with the U.S. Supreme Court. In the 283-page document, the AG asked the Court to overturn a decision issued by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in January 2026. In that decision, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the district court that a Missouri state law requiring registrants to post a sign on their home on Halloween was unconstitutional because it was compelled speech in violation of the First Amendment.
In its petition, the AG first argues that there is difference of opinion among Circuit Courts on this issue. Second, the AG argues that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals mistakenly decided that the state law is compelled speech. Third, the AG argues that the state law presents an issue of national importance.
“We disagree with each and every argument made by the Missouri General in its petition for certiorari,” stated ACSOL Executive Director Janice Bellucci. “The issue presented in this case is not an issue of national importance and there is no difference of opinion among Circuit Courts.”
The plaintiff in this case, Mr. Sanderson, will have an opportunity to rebut the arguments made by the AG. The initial deadline for that rebuttal is within 30 days after the case has been placed on the docket, however, the Court can extend that deadline upon request.
Download Petition for a Writ of Certiorari: