Jackson County, Missouri Missouri Cases

Jerry Stamps appealed his conviction for violating a Jackson County disorderly conduct ordinance, which stemmed from him berating and threatening county employees at the courthouse. On appeal, Stamps argued the ordinance was unconstitutional on its face and as applied, violating his First Amendment rights. The appellate court affirmed the conviction, finding Stamps waived his constitutional challenges by not raising them before trial. Alternatively, the court held that even if not waived, his statements constituted unprotected "fighting words" and the ordinance was not unconstitutional as applied.