Know Your Rights

Freedom of Speech, Assembly & Press

The First Amendment protects your right to speak, assemble, and publish without government interference. It does not protect all speech in all situations.

Search & Seizure — Your Home, Car, and Person

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police generally need a warrant based on probable cause — but there are significant exceptions.

Right to Remain Silent & Self-Incrimination

You have the right not to be a witness against yourself. You must actively invoke this right — staying silent alone may not be enough since Berghuis v. Thompkins (2010).

Your Right to Vote

The right to vote is protected by the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments and the Voting Rights Act. No one can be denied the right to vote based on race, sex, failure to pay a poll tax, or age (18+).

Workplace, Housing & Equal Protection

Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, and age in employment, housing, and programs receiving federal funding.

Rights During Immigration Encounters

The Fourth and Fifth Amendments protect everyone in the United States — regardless of immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.