Judge Rules Saggy Pants Ban Violates Constitution
A Florida judge has ruled a city ordinance banning saggy pants violates the Constitution.
Judge Laura Johnson ruled the droopy drawers ban enacted by Riviera Beach voters violates the 14th Amendment, the Palm Beach Post reports. Johnson said there was no legitimate governmental interest in the ban, and the Constitution must prevail no matter how “tacky or distasteful” the fashion style.
City attorney Matthew Russell had argued the ban was needed to improve the city’s image and to prevent criminals from hiding weapons in their pants, the story says.
Assistant public defenders Dan Cohen and John Rivera had countered with expert testimony that saggy pants had become mainstream, and even Prince Harry wore them.
Another judge ruled last September that the ban is unconstitutional as applied to one teen arrested for violating the ordinance.
Hat tip to How Appealing.
