Your Rights
Your Constitutional Rights
The First Amendment
“Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees every American the right to peacefully assemble and speak freely in public. This is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy.
The Fourteenth Amendment
Ratified in 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment extended the protections of the First Amendment to apply to state and local governments — not just the federal government. This means your city, county, and state cannot lawfully suppress your right to peacefully assemble either.
Know your limits too.
The right to assemble is not unlimited. Governments may impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions — such as requiring permits for large gatherings or limiting protests to certain hours. Violence, property destruction, or blocking emergency routes are never protected. Know your local laws before you go.
latNOW does not provide legal advice. If you have specific legal concerns about an upcoming event, consult a licensed attorney or contact the ACLU for guidance on your rights.