Federal Judiciary
About U.S. CourtsNewsroomLibraryCourt LinksFrequently Asked QuestionsEmploymentContact Us
whiteline
1x1_amarelo
 Educational Outreach
1x1_amarelo
 
button Contemporary Topics
The First Amendment
 
button Constitution Day
 
button Courts to Classes Programs
 
button The Basics
 
button Return to Educational Outreach

Right to Peaceably Assemble

The First Amendment protects freedom of assembly. Protests, parades, and other large gatherings are important means for individuals to express their ideas and their unity behind these ideas. While the Constitution protects the right to assemble, it adds an important caveat-the assembly must be peaceful. Historically, many assemblies quickly turned into riots, and, thus, were dispersed by the authorities. For this reason, the Supreme Court has ruled that reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions might be imposed on the right to assemble.

whiteline