First Things First: A discussion on the First Amendment, the Right to Protest, & the Rule of Law

Across the country, protests have become a focal point of political conflict and, increasingly, a target of government restriction. From aggressive policing tactics to new laws limiting assembly and speech, the right to protest is under mounting pressure. What does the First Amendment protect in this moment, and how far can the government go in the name of “order” and “security”?

Join the American Constitution Society for a timely conversation examining the legal landscape surrounding protest rights and free expression. Our panel will explore recent crackdowns on demonstrations, the constitutional challenges they raise, and what these developments mean for lawyers, advocates, and communities on the ground.

The program will feature insights from attorneys Andres Lopez Delgado, Gerry Weber, and Craig Goodmark, who bring deep experience at the intersection of constitutional law, civil rights, and protest movements. ACS President Phil Brest will open the event with introductory remarks.

This discussion is essential for anyone concerned about the future of the First Amendment and the health of our democratic freedoms.