Know Your Rights: First Amendment Protections

The following information is produced by the ACLU of Oregon for educational purposes only. This is not intended to be and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Protest has always been a core driver of change throughout our history and we are here to empower you to be bold and unafraid.

If you are ready to take a stand against government abuses of power, call for change in our democracy, or advocate for the rights of your neighbors, check out our Know Your Rights information and resources below!

• Write down everything you can remember, including officer names and info
• Get name and contact information from witnesses
• Take time-stamped photos/video of injuries and get medical care as needed
• If you are arrested, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible
• If you cannot find an attorney or cannot afford one, you may request a public defender or court-appointed lawyer be assigned to you

Please try to do the steps above as soon as possible, but even if it is some time after a police interaction, writing down what you can remember or trying to gather witness info or relevant photos/videos may still be helpful.

Important note: The Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, constrains the government, not private actors like companies or employers, from interfering with the basic freedoms that allow us to participate in our democracy.