Know your rights and freedoms
In the United States, our Constitution and federal laws give us lots of rights that are important for our democracy. We all know about big ones like freedom of speech and the right to vote, but there are other rights that are just as crucial. Knowing about all these rights helps make sure we have the freedoms we deserve in our country.
Right to genetic privacy
Some states have legislation safeguarding genetic data against unauthorized sharing or bias.
Freedom to offend
The First Amendment allows for the freedom to offend, which protects speech that has the potential to upset people (as long as it does not provoke violence or present a direct danger).
Right to request government documents
Individuals have the right to request government documents through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which grants access to federal agency records.
Freedom not to declare a religion
In contrast to nations with official religions, Americans have the liberty to refrain from declaring a religious affiliation or belief.
Right to privacy in library records
Library records and patron information are protected by privacy laws in numerous states.
Freedom to insult public figures
The First Amendment strongly protects the right to criticize and insult public figures. New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) mandated a higher level of proof of defamation for public officials, requiring "actual malice" in claims against them.
Right to access your credit report for free
Individuals are allowed to obtain their credit report from each major credit reporting agency once every 12 months at no cost, as outlined in federal legislation.
Freedom to record public officials
In various circumstances, individuals have the liberty to film public officials (like law enforcement officers) carrying out their responsibilities in public locations.
Right to refuse marketing calls
Consumers have the option to decline receiving telemarketing calls under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Freedom to access government records
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides the right to access government records that are not exempt from disclosure.
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Right to disconnect after work
Some states or cities have implemented legislation allowing employees to disconnect from work communications when not working.
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Freedom to publish satire
The First Amendment protects satirical speech and writing as a form of expression.
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Right to personal data portability
In certain situations, people can ask for and obtain their personal information in a portable and user-friendly format as part of the Personal Data Portability right.
Freedom to refuse unreasonable searches and seizures
Individuals have the right to reject searches without a warrant or probable cause, as guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment.
Right to access death records
Generally speaking, people are entitled to access death certificates and associated records.
Freedom to privacy in personal communications
The Fourth Amendment protects personal communications against unjust searches and seizures.
Right to access public beaches
Public beach access is guaranteed by laws in numerous states, allowing people to reach the high-water mark regardless of who owns the nearby private property.
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Freedom from forced quartering of soldiers
The Third Amendment prevents the government from requiring citizens to provide lodging for soldiers during times of peace without their permission.
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Right to disconnect utilities in a rental
In a rental property, tenants typically can ask for utilities to be disconnected if they are in charge of paying for them.
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Freedom from debtor's prison
The Constitution bars the imprisonment of people for debt related to civil issues.
Right to access emergency contraception
Some states have regulations that guarantee access to emergency contraception without needing a prescription or parental permission.
Freedom to keep exotic pets
Americans have the liberty to own exotic pets like specific reptiles, birds, and mammals as long as they follow regulations.
Right to breastfeed in public
In numerous states, there are laws that specifically safeguard a mother's right to breastfeed openly in public areas.
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Freedom to decline military service
Under specific conditions, Americans have the right to avoid military service for reasons of religion or conscience, as it is protected by law.
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Right to form a political party
The right to establish a political party is granted to Americans, allowing them to form and join political parties for involvement in elections.
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Freedom to use alternative medicine
Americans are allowed to utilize alternative medicine with some regulations in place.
Right to challenge unconstitutional laws
Individuals are allowed to challenge laws they deem unconstitutional by using the legal system.
Freedom to name children
Americans have the ability to select their children's names, as long as they adhere to legal boundaries.
Right to form and join HOAs
Homeowners typically have the freedom to establish and become part of homeowners associations in order to oversee and preserve communal property.
Freedom to interpret religious texts
The First Amendment protects the freedom of Americans to read and interpret religious texts without government intervention.
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Right to freedom from retaliation for whistleblowing
Employees have the right to report illegal activities at work without facing retaliation.
