Freedom of Assembly Law and Legal Definition
Freedom of assembly is the individual right to peacefully assemble, collectively express, and petition the government for redress of grievances guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Freedom of assembly is often used interchangeably with the freedom of association. In general, freedom of assembly is a First Amendment right guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. First Amendment right provides that congress shall make no law abridging the right of people peaceably to assemble. However, freedom of assembly can be limited by a local legislative authority through the legitimate use of its police powers. Examples of laws which limit freedom of assembly are found in various riot acts, unlawful assembly laws, and ordinances prohibiting the blocking of sidewalks. Hence, the constitutional rights of freedom of assembly, speech and worship does not include the privilege of exercising such rights on private, undedicated, property, against the will of the owners.
