New Jersey, a law that subjects First Amendment licensing, without clear and objective standards, is unconstitutional

New Jersey, a law that subjects First Amendment licensing, without clear and objective standards, is unconstitutional

New Jersey, a law that subjects First Amendment licensing, without clear and objective standards, is unconstitutional In New Jersey, a law that subjects First Amendment freedoms to prior restraint through licensing, without clear and objective standards, is unconstitutional, as it gives the licensing authority undue discretion. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Prior Restraint and the First Amendment:

  The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the New Jersey Constitution, protects freedom of speech, including the freedom to express oneself through various means. A "prior restraint" is a government action that prevents someone from exercising their right to speak or express themselves before they actually do so. 
• Unconstitutionality of Broad Discretion:

  A licensing system that allows a government body to censor or restrict speech before it occurs, without clear guidelines, is considered an unconstitutional prior restraint. This is because it gives the licensing authority too much power to suppress speech based on their subjective opinions. 
• Need for Narrow, Objective Standards:

  To be constitutional, a licensing system must have narrow, objective, and definite standards to guide the licensing authority. These standards must be clear and easily understood, so that people know what is allowed and what is not. 
• Examples:

  A licensing scheme that allows a city to censor films before they are shown, or to prevent people from speaking on a public sidewalk, without clear standards, would be an unconstitutional prior restraint. 
• New Jersey Constitution:

  Article I, ¶ 6 of the New Jersey Constitution states that "[e]very person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right". 
• Case Law:

  The New Jersey Supreme Court has addressed restrictions on speech, including those related to common interest communities and private property.