Freeborn Attorneys Win Big Victory for the City of Chicago

On Friday February 27, 2009, Freeborn was granted its motion for summary judgment in a class action law suit, which arose from the anti-war protest occurring on March 20, 2003, at the commencement of the Iraq war. Freeborn represented the City of Chicago and numerous Chicago Police Commanders and Officers in this case. The protesters assembled at Federal Plaza but more than 10,000 protesters overtook Lake Shore Drive and marched to the area of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Although the vast majority of the protesters were peaceful, 800 to 1000 demonstrators continuously disobeyed police officers. After being repeatedly told not to attempt to march on Michigan Avenue, the disruptive protesters ultimately had to be detained; approximately 500 people from this group were arrested.

The court's decision maintained that our clients acted objectively reasonable in arresting this recalcitrant group. This major victory vindicates the actions of the City and the Chicago Police in these very difficult circumstances where they had to balance the constitutional rights of the marchers to protest, while protecting the legitimate safety and property interests of other citizens.