High court overrules limit on local campaign funding

The US Supreme Court ruled Monday that cities can't limit local political spending, saying a law curbing campaign contributions is a ''significant restraint'' on free speech.

The justices struck down a Berkeley, Calif., ordinance limiting to $250 the amount of money a person could contribute to influence a ballot proposal.

The Supreme Court also ruled that public defenders can't be sued by indigent clients accused of crimes for defenders' alleged violations of constitutional rights.