Monday, June 3, 2002
Richard Warner v. City of Boca Raton

no. 01-2206

Boca Raton


Several persons sued the City over an ordinance prohibiting grave decorations not level with the ground. Several residents placed vertical decorations on graves, such as crosses and Stars of David, and later sued when the City announced it would enforce its ordinance. The case was heard in federal court, which ruled in favor of the City. On appeal, the federal Eleventh Circuit Court certified questions to the Florida Supreme Court on the extent to which state law protects certain religious practices.