What is the Freedom of Assembly?

The freedom of assembly, commonly known as the freedom of association, protects an individual’s rights to assemble in groups for the purpose of expressing common beliefs or pursuing common interests.

What is Protected by the Freedom of Assembly?

The right of assembly includes the right to physically assemble and the right to be a member of an organization.

The right of physical assembly is commonly restricted by time, place, and manner restrictions.

These restrictions must meet the highest level of scrutiny (Strict Scrutiny) when determining whether such restrictions are constitutional.

• Example: The government commonly requires permits or licensing for assembly. This is limited regulation of the time, place, and manner of assembly. The application process cannot totally close off the assembly. But, it may require that the participants adhere to limited restrictions.