Olivier v. City of Brandon | Sidewalk Sermons and Section 1983: The Prospective Relief Puzzle | Argument Date: 12/3/25 | Docket Link: Here

OVERVIEW

Gabriel Olivier, a Christian who shares his faith on public sidewalks, gets convicted under a Mississippi ordinance restricting demonstrations near a city amphitheater. He sues in federal court seeking only prospective relief to prevent future enforcement against his religious expression. The Fifth Circuit blocks his lawsuit entirely under Heck v. Humphrey, but eight judges dissent from denial of rehearing en banc, setting up a Supreme Court showdown over whether prior convictions permanently bar constitutional challenges.

Oral Advocates:

• For Petitioner (Olivier): Allyson N. Ho, Dallas, TX
• United States, as Amicus Curiae Supporting Vacatur: Ashley Robertson, Assistant to the Solicitor General, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
• For Respondent (City of Brandon): G. Todd Butler, Flowood, MS

Link to Opinion: TBD.

Website Link to Opinion Summary: TBD.

Website Link to Oral Argument: TBD.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Oral Argument Preview

[00:01:37] Oral Argument Begins

[00:01:47] Petitioner Opening Statement

[00:03:42] Petitioner Free for All Questions

[00:22:08] Petitioner Round Robin Questions

[00:38:31] United States as Amicus Curiae Supporting Vacatur Opening Statement

[00:39:46] United States Free for All Questions

[00:49:39] United States Free for All Questions

[00:55:53] Respondent Opening Statement

[00:58:02] Respondent Free for All Questions

[01:20:04] Respondent Round Robin Questions

[01:21:23] Petitioner Rebuttal