Number: RS21345
Title: RICO and Abortion Clinic Protests in the Supreme Court: Scheidler v. NOW
Authors: Charles Doyle, American Law Division 
Abstract: The National Organization for Women (NOW) and two abortion clinics have sued anti-abortion protesters under the federal Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. The jury found for the plaintiffs, and the court enjoined the defendants from blockading the clinics, trespassing on their property, or damaging property there. The defendants appealed, arguing among other things that their conduct did not constitute the extortion upon which the RICO suit was based; and that the private plaintiffs are not entitled to injunctive relief under RICO. The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejected both arguments, and the Supreme Court granted review.
Pages: 5
Date: March 24, 2003