Know Your Rights

WHat Are my rights when stopped by the police?

You have the right to remain silent

If you do not feel comfortable you may refuse to answer questions such as what you were doing, where you were headed, or where you live. Simply state out loud that you wish to remain silent.

You have the right to refuse a search

You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon

You have the right to an attorney

If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one

WHat are my rights in school

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.

You have the right to speak out, hand out flyers and petitions, and wear expressive clothing in school — as long as you don’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate school policies
Schools can have rules that have nothing to do with the message expressed, like dress codes but cannot prevent you from wearing clothes with a specific message.
Outside of school, you enjoy essentially the same rights to protest and speak out as anyone else.
If you are facing a suspension of 10 days or more, you have a right to a formal process and can be represented by a lawyer.

Understanding your rights protects you

WHat Are my rights when stopped by the police?

You have the right to remain silent

You have the right to refuse a search

You have the right to an attorney

WHat are my rights in school

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.

Learn more about your rights

Understanding your rights protects you

WHat Are my rights when stopped by the police?

You have the right to remain silent

You have the right to refuse a search

You have the right to an attorney

WHat are my rights in school

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.

Learn more about your rights

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