It’s a beautiful thing to rally together with your community to shout out into the sky, “What the fuck!” With the increasingly urgent need for change, many folks are deciding to spend their energy on gathering in the streets and expressing their freedom of speech. But what exactly does that mean?

This informational zine Know Your Protesters’ Rights is adapted from an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) article that you can access here. The U.S. law and justice system is complicated on purpose. The article and this zine are just the basics that every protestor should know. 

Please do share this information with others. Print it, copy it, distribute it. Just don’t sell it. 

This zine can be printed on a single letter-size (8.5x11in) piece of paper in black and white. After printing, it will need to be folded in 8 sections and cut down the middle in order to fold into a booklet. Below is an infographic from artist Ashley Topacio illustrating how to fold a zine.

Know Your Protesters’ Rights

The First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise of religion; or limiting freedom of speech or freedom of the press; or limiting the right of the people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government to address issues.

Your rights are strongest in “traditional public forums” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. This likely includes public property of government buildings--as long as access isn’t blocked or activities aren’t disrupted.

Counterprotestors also have free speech. The police must treat both parties equally. When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police.

What to do if you believe your (or others’) rights have been violated by the police:

• Write down everything you remember, including officer badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for
• Get contact info of witnesses
• Photograph any injuries
• File a written complaint with the civilian complaint board

What to do if you are stopped by the police:

• Stay calm. Keep hands visible. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police. Point out you are not disrupting anyone else’s activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.
• Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, walk away calmly.

What to do if you are under arrest:

• You have the right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and “I want a lawyer” immediately. Then, do not say or sign anything without a lawyer.
• You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings (without a warrant). If you explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.
• Police may “pat down” your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after arrest