Civil Liberties

“…..the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” --1 st amendment

 Simply means the right to gather with one another  Includes forming political parties, interest groups etc.  Notice that the Constitution allows “peaceful” assembly.

 The Constitution does not give one the right to incite violence, close a school, or endanger life or property

 Government rules must be content neutral, meaning they can regulate time, place and manner, but they cannot regulate on the basis on what may be said.

 Most demonstrations occur on public streets, parks etc.  Because most demonstrations involve some type of conflict, the Court has generally supported laws that require an advance notice and permit for demonstrations

 A demonstration to fire a school superintendent drew a large crowd, which became violent toward the protesters.  In turn the police ordered the protesters to disperse, and arrested those who didn’t.  The Supreme Court overturned the convictions, stating the protesters had acted peacefully.

 The Rights of Assembly and Petition do not give demonstrators the right to trespass on private property  Owners of private property can have you removed for demonstrating on their property.

 The right to associate with others to promote political, economic and social causes  NAACP vs. Alabama- Court said state could not require NAACP to provide a list of all its members  Boy Scouts of America vs. Dale- Court stated that the Boy Scouts could exclude the hiring of a gay troop leader because it contradicted the beliefs of the organization.