Protests, pandemic and health: manner, time and place

Abstract

In the context of the pandemic, States have enacted multiple measures that restrict rights and liberties. The right to protest has not been the exception, with States alluding to the dangers the virus poses to health in order to impose heavy restrictions on public gatherings. This article examines a number of judicial decisions from different jurisdictions, to show how courts call on governments to respect affected rights when reviewing the constitutionality of such measures. Even in times of pandemic, the article shows courts find that the proportionality of regulations may be judicially assessed. Although this line of reasoning may appear obvious -it is a standard globally resorted to review rights limitations-, it needs to be highlighted in times when fear, as history and our own recent jurisprudence show us, may lead to uncritically accept these restrictions.