B. Willis, C.P.A., Inc. v. Goodpaster,

[David A. Szwak]

B. Willis, C.P.A., Inc. v. Goodpaster,
183 F.3d 1231, 1999 CJ C.A.R. 4570, C.A.10 (Okla.), July 20, 1999

Our decision is supported by numerous authorities concerning the parameters of the First Amendment right of advocacy. It is without question that courts may sanction parties and their attorneys who engage in harassment of their opponents. See Carroll v. Jaques Admiralty Law Firm, P.C., 110 F.3d 290, 294 (5th Cir.1997). The First Amendment does not shield improper tactics used by litigants to advance their interests, even if those tactics involve communication of a message. See, e.g., United States v. Fulbright, 105 F.3d 443, 452 (9th Cir.1997) (rejecting First Amendment challenge to obstruction of justice statute where litigant seeking bankruptcy protection mailed a “noticeâ€