Few things in life are more depressing than watching someone repeatedly lose at a lottery or casino game, particularly if the person is really hoping to win. It’s reminiscent of watching someone eat soup with a fork.
Keep on Scratchin'
From April to December of last year, Shields made numerous calls to the lottery headquarters in order to make graphic and vulgar threats that involved violence and murder, as well as sexually explicit insults. Officers believe that Shields is obsessed with the state lottery and got rather upset each time she did not win.
Threats And Harassment Not Protected by First Amendment
While Shields claims that her speech is protected by the First Amendment, FindLaw readers likely know better. Some of Shields’ threats included specific dates, and targeted specific employees. In addition to threats against state lottery officials and employees, local retail outlets that simply sell the scratch-off lottery tickets were also threatened by Shields.
Despite the First Amendment providing the freedom of speech, there are limits to that freedom. Generally, speech can be regulated by the government in certain ways that are content neutral. Additionally, speech that is criminal, such as threats of violence or intimidation, are not protected speech. Most states have laws that make threats illegal, as well as laws against harassment and stalking (even digital or telephonic harassment and stalking).
Related Resources:
- Sex Offender Wins $3M Lotto, Gets Sued by Alleged Victims (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- First Amendment Rights, the Middle Finger and Police Officers (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- 2 Guys Toss $1M Lotto Ticket in Garbage, Then Sue N.J. Lotto (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- Penis Tattoo ‘Sext’ Message Appeal: Court Sides With Sender (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Civil Rights
Block on Trump’s Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court
Criminal
Judges Can Release Secret Grand Jury Records
Politicians Can’t Block Voters on Facebook, Court Rules
