Q. Can my free speech rights be restricted because of
what I want to say – even if it's controversial?
A. No. The First Amendment prohibits restrictions based
on the content of speech. However, this does not mean that the Constitution
completely protects all types of free speech activity in every circumstance.
Police and government officials are allowed to place certain non-discriminatory
and narrowly drawn "time, place and manner" restrictions on the
exercise of First Amendment rights.
Q. Where can I engage in free speech activity?
A. Generally, all types of expression are
constitutionally protected in traditional "public forums" such as
streets, sidewalks and parks. In addition, your speech activity may be
permitted to take place at other public locations which the government has
opened up to similar speech activities, such as the plazas in front of
government buildings.
Q. What about free speech activity on private property?
A. The general rule is that free speech activity cannot
take place on private property absent the consent of the property owner.
However, in California, the courts have recognized an exception for large
shopping centers, and have permitted leafleting and petitioning to take place
in the public areas of large shopping centers. The shopping center owners,
however, are entitled to impose regulations that, for example, limit the number
of activists on the property and restrict their activities to designated
"free speech areas." Most large shopping centers have enacted
detailed free speech regulations that require obtaining a permit in advance. It
is unclear whether the courts will extend this "shopping center
exception" to other types of private property, such as the walkways in
front of large free-standing stores, such as a Safeway or a Costco.
Q. Do I need a permit before I engage in free speech
activity?
A. Not usually. However, certain types of events require
permits. Generally, these events are: 1) a march or parade that does not stay
on the sidewalk and other events that require blocking traffic or street
closures; 2) a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or 3)
a rally at certain designated parks or plazas, such as federal property managed
by the General Services Administration. Many permit procedures require that the
application be filed several weeks in advance of the event. However, the First
Amendment prohibits such an advance notice requirement from being used to
prevent rallies or demonstrations that are rapid responses to unforeseeable and
recent events. Also, many permit ordinances give a lot of discretion to the
police or city officials to impose conditions on the event, such as the route
of a march or the sound levels of amplification equipment. Such restrictions
may violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or
public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication
with the intended audience. A permit cannot be denied because the event is
controversial or will express unpopular views
SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
Q. If organizers have not obtained a permit, where can a
march take place?
A. If marchers stay on the sidewalks and obey traffic
and pedestrian signals, their activity is constitutionally protected even
without a permit. Marchers may be required to allow enough space on the
sidewalk for normal pedestrian traffic and may not maliciously obstruct or
detain passers-by.
Q. May I distribute leaflets and other literature on public
sidewalks?
A. Yes. Pedestrians on public sidewalks may be
approached with leaflets, newspapers, petitions and solicitations for
donations. Tables may also be set up on sidewalks for these purposes if
sufficient room is left for pedestrians to pass. These types of free speech
activities are legal as long as entrances to buildings are not blocked and
passers-by are not physically and maliciously detained. No permits should be
required.
Q. Do I have a right to picket on public sidewalks?
A. Yes, and this is also an activity for which a permit
is not required. However, picketing must be done in an orderly, non-disruptive
fashion so that pedestrians can pass by and entrances to buildings are not
blocked. Contrary to the belief of some law enforcement officials, pickets are
not required to keep moving but may remain in one place as long as they leave
room on the sidewalk for others to pass.
Q. Can the government impose a financial charge on
exercising free speech rights?
A. Increasingly, local governments are imposing
financial costs as a condition of exercising free speech rights, such as
application fees, security deposits for clean-up, or charges to cover overtime
police costs. Unfortunately, such charges that cover actual administrative costs
or the actual costs of re-routing traffic have been permitted by some courts.
However, if the costs are greater because an event is controversial (or a
hostile crowd is expected) – such as requiring a large insurance policy – then
the courts will not permit it. Also, regulations with financial requirements
should include a waiver for groups that cannot afford the charge, so that even
grassroots organizations can exercise their free speech rights. Therefore, a
group without significant financial resources should not be prevented from
engaging in a march simply because it cannot afford the charges the City would
like to impose.
Q. What should I do if my rights are being violated by a
police officer?
A. It rarely does any good to argue with a street patrol
officer. Ask to talk to a superior and explain your position to her or him.
Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else’s activity and that your
actions are protected by the First Amendment. If you do not obey an officer,
you might be arrested and taken from the scene. You should not be convicted if
a court concludes that your First Amendment rights have been violated.
Specific questions about Members of Congress:
Q. Are there any restrictions on protests on the
sidewalk in front of the home of a Member of Congress?
A. These states prohibit residential picketing: Arkansas,
Arizona, Hawaii, and Michigan.
These cities and towns prohibit residential picketing,
sometimes with a specified number of feet ('):
• AL:
Mountain Brook
• CA:
Davis, Glendale, Huntington Beach (300'), Los Angeles (100'), Riverside (300'),
San Jose (300'), Santa Ana, Solana Beach, Tustin (300')
• CO:
Arapahoe County
• FL:
Melbourne Beach
• GA:
Atlanta
• IL:
Danville, Lockville, Palos Heights,
• IA:
Clive
• KS:
Lenexa, Prairie Village, Topeka
• MD:
Montgomery County
• ME:
Bangor (300')
• MN:
Jordan, White Bear
• NC:
Greensboro
• ND:
Fargo
• NE:
Lincoln
• NH:
Concord
• NM:
Albuquerque, Artesia
• RI:
Barrington, Warwick
• SD:
Sioux Falls
• TX:
Dallas (200')
• WI:
Brookfield, Wisconsin Rapids
For more details, consult a local attorney or the
nearest office of the ACLU.
Q. What will happen if we organize a sit-in at the
office of a Member of Congress?
A. If a Member chooses to call the police, you will be
arrested and charged with criminal trespass. (If you resist arrest, you will
face more serious charges.) What happens after that will depend on the facts of
the case and the judge you go before.
