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Constitutional Law—The Public Forum In Nontraditional Areas—Lehman V. City Of Shaker Heights, 418 U.S. 298 (1974), David D. Swartling

Washington Law Review

In 1970, Harry Lehman, a candidate for election to the Ohio state legislature, attempted to purchase advertising space on local buses belonging to the city of Shaker Heights' rapid transit system. Although space was available, the advertising agent for the transit company rejected Lehman's request because its contract with the city proscribed political advertising on buses. Lehman sought a declaratory judgment and an injunction, alleging violation of the first and fourteenth amendments. The trial court denied relief, and the state supreme court affirmed. In a 5-4 decision, the United States Supreme Court affirmed. In the plurality opinion, Justice Blackmun concluded …