The American Civil Liberties Union

OK, here is my 0.02Let N = any act that is currently a criminal offense (we'll not specify it to avoid emotive debates for specific values of N about
whether legalizing N is or is not moral, just, a good idea, etc.).1) An organization advocating that N be legalized, and using media campaigns, lobbying, and supporting legislation and candidates to that end, is operating totally legally and in the American tradition.2) An organization advocating that individuals commit N as an act of civil disobedience is on the borderline. It must be understood that individuals committing N must be prepared to face criminal sanctions
for committing N. The organization, however, is IMO within its First Amendment rights if its advocacy is only in a general sense.3) An organization actively aiding and facilitating the commission of N by individuals (providing information on how and where to commit N, financial support for N actions, or any other action that directly facilitates N) is IMO a criminal conspiracy and is subject to criminal charges on this ground.Whether such charges are actually brought depdends on law enforcement's assessment of the severity of N and available resources, but the fact that charges are not brought does not imply legality of the organization's activities in case 3)I am not a lawyer, so this is all IMO.This message has been edited by paisano, 05-14-2005 08:44 AM

I am referrring in case 3) to actively engaging in material support to ongoing actual acts of N. So prior restraint would not apply IMO.

Again, I am referrring to material support, not rhetorical support.