This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
The petitioners argue that door‑to‑door solicitation without first obtaining a village permit is a criminal act.
According to Mr. Polidoro (Petitioner), the petitioners also contend that, after historic battles in the 1930s‑1940s, municipalities have stopped trying to regulate Jehovah’s Witnesses by requiring such permits.
According to Mr. Cantor (Respondent), the respondents maintain that the village’s purpose in requiring a permit is to prevent annoyance to property owners.
Background and question before the Court
Appearances at oral argument: Paul D. Polidoro (Petitioners), Abraham Cantor (Respondents), and David M. Gormley (Amicus Curiae for Ohio).
Justice Kennedy asked whether the mayor’s records are open to the public.
According to Justice Kennedy, justice Kennedy also questioned whether the mayor (or the government) has the right to demand prior registration before a person can speak to neighbors about neighborhood problems.
Justice Scalia asked whether the objection is that a person must go to city hall in order to ring doorbells.
What each side argues
Petitioners' Position
According to Petitioners, door‑to‑door solicitation without first obtaining a village permit is a criminal act.
According to Mr. Polidoro (Petitioner), historically, municipalities have stopped attempting to regulate Jehovah’s Witnesses by requiring permits for door‑to‑door activity.
Respondents' Position
According to Mr. Cantor (Respondent), the village’s purpose in requiring a permit is to prevent annoyance to property owners.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Kennedy asked whether the mayor’s records are open to the public.
According to Justice Kennedy, justice Kennedy also questioned whether the mayor (or the government) has the right to demand prior registration before a person can speak to neighbors about neighborhood problems.
Justice Scalia asked whether the objection is that a person must go to city hall in order to ring doorbells.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 279fdcaf99189b7ed1dc-r1-59d8591f9a3dc92d.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 19, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.