Know Your Rights: Free Speech & Protesting

This guide explains your First Amendment rights when protesting or demonstrating. You have the right to free speech in public spaces like streets, sidewalks, and parks. You can photograph anything in plain view in public places, including law enforcement and government buildings. If stopped by police at a protest, you have the right to remain silent, ask if you're free to leave, and refuse searches without a warrant. Marches that block traffic usually need permits. Private property owners can set their own rules. The guide includes important phrases to use when talking to police and links to detailed legal resources from the National Lawyers Guild.