“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
—The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Welcome to FIRE’s First Amendment Library!
The Library’s goal is to enhance the public’s understanding of the 45 words of the First Amendment set out above and to do so in impartial, historical, analytical, practical, and accessible ways. FIRE’s First Amendment Library provides visitors core information about the First Amendment’s five freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, & petition.
FREEDOM OF
SPEECH &
EXPRESSION
FREEDOM OF
RELIGION
FREEDOM OF
THE PRESS
FREEDOM OF
ASSEMBLY &
PETITION
FREEDOM OF
ASSOCIATION
CASES ON
CAMPUS
