November 17, 2014
The First Amendment in the United States Constitution was placed in the Bill of Rights by our Founders to guarantee citizens their basic freedoms. The First Amendment and the accompanying amendments in the Bill of Rights alike are an essential part of the United States as a whole, yet many do not know or understand these rights. However, knowing and understanding your legal rights is extremely important and can help to ensure your freedom if it is ever jeopardized.
What is the First Amendment?
Although the First Amendment is an integral part of the United States Constitution, many citizens are not familiar with the Amendment or what personal rights it grants them. The First Amendment states that:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Arguably the most important Amendment within the Bill of Rights, this Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition. By establishing this blueprint for personal freedom and the promise of an open society, this right allows citizens to express themselves freely in numerous ways.
Why You Should Know the First Amendment
Knowing and understanding your rights is extremely important because they can protect you from unjust actions that violate your First Amendment rights or other basic rights.
When we consider the Constitution as a whole, we should always remember the First Amendment and why it is the First Amendment. Without these written rights, our other rights would have little meaning. If we could not openly express our opinions about the government and criticize the government, our freedoms would essentially be nonexistent. We established the right to freedom of religion and expression to preserve the cultural diversity of the United States and furthermore, to encourage it to flourish. Ultimately, it is these First Amendment rights that are the basis of our freedoms as United States citizens.
While it is important to know and understand your basic rights, you should always contact an attorney if you have been arrested and believe your First Amendment rights (or any other rights) have been violated.
The experienced attorneys at the Khonsari Law Group can help you understand your rights and defend these rights if they have been violated. For more information on how the Khonsari Law Group can assist you with your case, click here, or visit the attorneys for a free consultation.