First Justice Then Peace

Know your rights

What follows is a summary, in our words, of the ACLU's Protesters' Rights guide (last updated 8 June 2026), pulled out to the points that bear on standing at Canyon & Broadway. It is a starting point, not legal advice, and the ACLU's page is the version that stays current.

Where you can stand

  • Your rights are strongest in traditional public forums — streets, sidewalks and parks.
  • You can generally speak out on other public property too, so long as you are not blocking access to a building or interfering with what the space is for.
  • On private property, the owner sets the rules.
  • No permit is needed to march on streets or sidewalks as long as you do not obstruct traffic. Police can ask you to move aside to let others pass.

Counter-protesters

  • They have free speech rights too.
  • Police must treat both groups equally. They are allowed to keep antagonistic groups apart, but should still let each remain within sight and sound of the other.

Recording

  • When you are lawfully in a public space you may photograph anything in plain view, including the police.
  • Police need a warrant to look through your phone or take it, and may never delete your photos or video, under any circumstances.
  • Audio is treated differently from images in some states' wiretapping laws.

If an officer stops you

  • Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and do not resist — even if you believe the officer is in the wrong.
  • Ask whether you are free to leave. If yes, walk away calmly.
  • If you are arrested you can ask why. Then say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Do not say or sign anything without one.
  • You never have to consent to a search.

If police order the protest to disperse

  • That is meant to be a last resort, available only where there is a clear and present danger to public safety.
  • You must get clear notice: how long you have, what happens if you stay, and an unobstructed route out — before anyone can be arrested for not dispersing.

If something happens to you

  • Write down everything you remember as soon as you can, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers and which agency they are from.
  • Get contact details for witnesses.
  • Photograph any injuries.
  • You can then file a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or its civilian complaint board.

Where to go for help