In the case of Niemotko v. Maryland, two Jehovah's Witnesses were denied permits to use a public park for religious meetings in Havre de Grace, Maryland. The city council rejected their applications on grounds that they had previously caused disturbances and would likely do so again if permitted to hold meetings in the park. However, other organizations with similar histories of causing disturbances were granted permits by the same council. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Niemotko, stating that denying them access based on their religious beliefs was a violation of their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly as well as Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection under law. This decision established an important precedent regarding freedom of religion and non-discrimination against minority faiths.

In the dissenting opinion for Niemotko v. Maryland, Justice Minton argued that the majority's decision was based on a misinterpretation of the facts and an overreach of judicial power. He contended that there was no evidence to suggest that city officials had denied Niemotko's request for a park permit due to his political or religious beliefs, as claimed by the majority. Instead, he believed it was more likely they were concerned about potential disturbances at the event given previous incidents involving Jehovah’s Witnesses in other cities. Additionally, Minton criticized what he saw as an unwarranted intrusion into local affairs by federal courts; arguing they should not be used as forums to review every administrative decision made by state and local governments unless clear constitutional violations are involved.