In the case of Cameron et al. v. Johnson, Governor of Mississippi, et al., 1967, the U.S Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a Mississippi anti-picketing law violated First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. The law in question had been used to arrest civil rights demonstrators who were protesting racial segregation policies outside businesses in Jackson, Mississippi. In a 5-4 decision led by Justice Potter Stewart, the court upheld the constitutionality of this state statute prohibiting obstructive picketing as it was narrowly drawn and aimed at preventing public disorder rather than suppressing freedom of expression or peaceful protest. The majority opinion held that states have an interest in maintaining order on their streets and sidewalks which can justify certain restrictions on expressive activities like picketing.

In the dissenting opinion for Cameron et al. v. Johnson, Governor of Mississippi, et al., Justice William O. Douglas argued that the anti-picketing law in question was unconstitutional as it violated First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly. He contended that peaceful picketing is a form of expression protected by the Constitution and should not be suppressed by state laws unless there is clear evidence that such activities would incite violence or pose significant threats to public order. The majority's decision upheld an overly broad interpretation of what constitutes "breach of peace," which could potentially stifle legitimate expressions of protest and dissent, according to Douglas' view.