KNOW YOUR RIGHTS 

Courtesy of MO ACLU & ACLU

First Amendment protects right to free speech, demonstrations, leafleting, signs, and slogans.

WHAT WE CAN DO: 

• Exercise your right to free speech in any area open to the public such as streets, sidewalks, parks and in front of government buildings as long as you are not blocking access 

• You do not need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks as long as you do not obstruct car or pedestrian traffic

• If you do not have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others, pass or for safety

• Police cannot use certain permit procedures to prevent a protest in response to a breaking news event

• You can approach other people in public areas with leaflets, newspapers, petitions and requests for donations.

WHAT WE CANNOT DO: 

• Block passage on a street or sidewalk without a permit

• Cannot prevent people from getting by or walking away and you should leave them alone if asked to do so

• Cannot block building entrances

• If given an order by police to disperse the scene you must do so or face being arrested even if you are not committing acts of violence

• Be aware that police can legally attend a protest undercover to learn about plans for illegal activities

• Police can frisk your outer clothing to search for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion that you are involved in or about to commit criminal activity

• Police can search bags and containers without probable cause if you are entering a marked secure area but you can refuse and should be allowed to leave. 

• Police can only search bags if they have probable cause that it contains contraband, weapons or evidence of illegal activity. 

• You can be arrested for encouraging imminent violence, illegal activities that threaten harm people or property. 

• It is a federal crime to threaten to harm the president or vice president.

• The constitution never protects violence or criminal activity.