[MindBender26]

The First Amendment does not allow you to make a "public nuisance" or "disturb the peace," but if you were making a legitimate political protest, then you have a right to have that heard.... and residents have right to quiet enjoyment of their properties... so courts decide rights in conflict.

Suggest you get a decibel (sound loudness) meter. Radio Shack has them for a few $. Measure the volume of your protest at the closest approach on public property to the closest private residence. Then measure the volume of passing buses, boom boxes on wheels, etc. from the same position.

Most municipalities have a noise ordinance that specifies how loud in decibels noise must be to be a disturbance. Cops rarely have a decibel meter to measure. If they have one, question calibration, calibration of the calibrating device, presence of operating manual, officer's training, etc.

If you can testify that you were monitoring your levels and police had no scientific measurement, case adjourned.

[kristinn]

Thanks. if it did go to court, there would definitely be a balancing test between competing rights.