Public Vs. Private Property: Your First Amendment rights are strongest in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. On private property, these rights are subject to the owner of the property. You are allowed to protest on sidewalks and streets, so long as you do not block traffic from cars or pedestrians.

Photography & Videography of Protests: Similar to the rules above, the use of photography and videography is allowed in public spaces so long as you are there legally. On private property, these rules are subject to the property owner.

Use Of Force & Dispersal: In the event that police believe that a protest may become violent or lead to other criminal activity, they may issue an order of dispersal. This is viewed as a last resort for police officers. The danger must be clear and present, and police must follow a protocol for how they carry this out.

Protestors must be given a reasonable opportunity to comply with the dispersal order as well as clear directions. They must be given plenty of time to safely leave, as well as a clear path to exit. If police officers don’t follow these rules or use excessive force, there could be grounds for a civil rights case.

Tear Gas & Pepper Spray Injuries: Police often use these items to thwart protests, however, they must abide by the protocols of use for both. The use of either of these deterrents can cause serious damage if used negligently. For victims of tear gas use, there can be severe and sometimes permanent damage to the eyes.

Pepper spray victims can also have permanent eye damage. Both deterrents also can cause damage to people with respiratory problems or possibly be fatal in serious cases of negligence.

Rubber Bullets: The damage from rubber bullets can be extremely dangerous. Their devastating damage has led to a significant outcry for their banning as a deterrent for pr

Seek Medical Attention (If Necessary): Lawyers For The People always advocates seeking medical attention immediately if you have been injured during a protest. A doctor can help document your injuries and get you on the path to recovery.

Gather Evidence: To improve a potential civil rights claim, gather as much information as possible during and after an incident.

• Names, badge numbers, and police car numbers of any involved officers
• Contact information for witnesses or other victims
• Take as many photos and videos as you can