First Amendment and Democracy

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The First Amendment is the cornerstone of our free society. The ACLU of Southern California is dedicated to ensuring that all people are free to express themselves – politically, artistically, socially and through other forms of personal expression – without government interference.

The ACLU SoCal is also committed to advocating for strong open government laws and – when necessary bringing cases under those laws – to ensuring that government is transparent and that people have access to public meetings and government records, which enable them to hold the government accountable.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU Statement on SCOTUS Decision on Muslim American Surveillance Case

Court Cases: Fazaga v. FBI
Press Release
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Ninth Circuit Affirms Protesters, Journalists and Legal Observers are Entitled to First Amendment Protections

Know Your Rights
Know your rights

Know Your Rights: When Protesting

Know Your Rights
Right to Protest

Derechos de manifestante

Court Case
Jul 31, 2025

Kluwe v. Huntington Beach Union High School District

Court Case
Jun 19, 2025

L.A. Press Club v. Noem

Court Case
Feb 26, 2025

Alianza Translatinx v. City of Huntington Beach

Court Case
Oct 22, 2024

Blair v. Regents of the University of California