First Amendment Rights

Do you know your First Amendment rights? 

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution provides freedom of speech and religion. Both of these rights are often misunderstood because the government is allowed to put certain restrictions on these rights in certain circumstances. And when these restrictions oversteps the rights protected by the United States Constitution is a fact specific, and legally complex analysis.

Additionally, just because somebody works for the government doesn’t mean they give up their First Amendment right. Government employees continue to have limited first amendment rights, which may vary based on their position and the type of speech they wish to make. Government employees still enjoy First Amendment rights to religious expression and freedom of speech when they are off-duty.

Employees may also have the right for their employer to make a reasonable accommodation to practice their religion at work. This may include modifying a dress code to allow the employee to wear a head covering, or allowing an employee the space and ability to pray during a break period.

These are a few of the First Amendment claims we can handle:

• Overbroad government restrictions on an individual’s speech.

• Laws, regulations, or government action that unduly restrict religious activities.

• Government employees being disciplined for their off duty speech or religious activities.

• Reasonable accommodations for religious reasons.