Aliveness vs Violence that Silences
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Supreme Court of the United States | Coles Whalen Stalking Case Counterman v Colorado
In January 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case examining how far First Amendment protections extend to threatening communications. The case involved a man who stalked musician Coles Whalen for years, sending thousands of disturbing messages.
In 2017, Billy Raymond Counterman was convicted of stalking via the true threats doctrine. In 2023, the case's appeal reached the Supreme Court of the United States, which overturned Counterman's conviction and restarted the trial process.
Ultimately, Coles faced an impossible choice: retry the case under a higher legal standard and testify in the same room as the man who stalked her all over again, or walk away. She chose not to relive the process, and the case was ultimately dismissed and sealed.
Want to know more about Coles' experience with Counterman v Colorado?
Read Coles's Brief to SCOTUS
Listen to Oral Arguments
Coles Whalen Statements
Coles Statement 1
"The thousands of unstable messages sent to me were life-threatening and life-altering. I lived in fear, terrified that I was being followed and could be hurt at any moment. I ultimately stepped back from the music career I had worked so hard to build. I’m grateful that when I reported the messages, they were taken seriously, and many in law enforcement did everything they could to protect me."
Coles Statement 2
"I’m disappointed that the Supreme Court’s decision has minimized the harm that stalking and threatening messages cause to victims and their families. Nonetheless, I hope the standard the Supreme Court established can be used in ways that allow for the protection of victims across the country. If you are afraid, please trust yourself and reach out for help. The Court’s decision does not mean that victims must stand alone."
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