APPEALS COURT SIDES WITH ACTIVIST

It Overturned a Ruling Barring Name Change

A marijuana activist won a round Tuesday in his fight to change his
name to NJWeedman com.

A three-judge appeals panel overturned a lower-court ruling that
barred the switch sought by Edward Forchion Jr., 39, of Browns Mills.

Forchion will appear in Superior Court in Camden to argue in person
for the name change, which the Camden County Prosecutor's Office opposes.

The appeals court said the lower-court decision was flawed because
Forchion was required to submit his arguments in writing while an
assistant prosecutor appeared in person before Superior Court Judge
Allan Vogelson.

At the time of the February 2002 hearing, Forchion was serving a term
in state prison for possession of marijuana.

"The state got to tear apart my brief," said Forchion, who has since
been released from prison. "I was denied my right to present my
position adequately."

Forchion said his proposed name change, originally intended as an
"advertising gimmick" to promote his views and a Web site that he
runs, has become a First Amendment issue.

"How can the government tell me what I can name my body?" asked
Forchion, who argued his own case before the appeals court. A frequent
political candidate, Forchion said he wants to be listed on ballots as
NJWeedman com,

But Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi said the name change
is intended to promote illegal drug sales via the Internet.

"We anticipate that, if Mr. Forchion's application is granted, our
office will be besieged by applications promoting all manner of
illegal professions," Sarubbi said Tuesday.