Your Right to Protest in Washinaton. D.C.

The First Amendment grants you the right to advocate for change in laws, policies, even in the form of government itself.

Constitutional rights cannot be suspended - even during a state of emergency or war.

You do not need a permit to demonstrate in public space under the jurisdiction at the DC government (most DC. sidewalks).

Generally, on federal land (including parks), you do not need a permit to demonstrate in groups of 25 or less. You need a permit for demonstrations larger than 25.

You may hold signs, leaflet, march (or stand still) and chant when demonstrating.

When intending to lawfully protest don't block the sidewalk such that pedestrians can't pass. If police harass you, have a person walk the sidewalk to demonstrate that it is not obstructed.

What To Do If The Police Come to Your Home

You do not have to let police or law enforcement into your home unless they have an arrest or search warrant. Ask to see any search warrant. It must identify the place to be searched and items to be seized. You must let them in if the search warrant is for your home. You have the right to monitor what they do inside your home.

Ask to see any arrest warrant. They cannot enter your home without a search warrant, unless the arrest warrant is for a resident of your home.

If they have no warrants: Be calm. State "I do not consent to your being on my property. I request that you leave." If you choose to speak with police, do so outside and off of your property. The police may try to look through an open door or window to see anything in plain view that they can use to justify entering or get a warrant.

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*The man that sells tie-dye wall coverings and such outside the VaTech bookstore gave this flyer to me. Feel free to thank him and dress like a hippie ;)

Brian