Know Your Rights

Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. We work with communities to make sure people are informed about their rights. When you know what the law says, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your community.

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Know Your Rights
Dec 23, 2024
raised fists and megaphone
  • Free Speech

Know Your Rights: Free Speech, Protests & Demonstrations

Activists! There are many questions you face when exercising your constitutional right to rally, march, and take direct action. Know your rights from civil disobedience to campus organizing.
Know Your Rights
Oct 22, 2025
ICE at Door
  • Immigrants' Rights|
  • +2 Issues

Know Your Rights: If ICE Confronts You

Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more here about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.
Know Your Rights
Apr 04, 2025
Your Rights and the Police
  • Police Practices|
  • +1 Issue

Know Your Rights: Police Interactions

Encounters with the law can be stressful or scary. People have various experiences with law enforcement, some of which are not always fair or legal. This guide provides you practical information that could help you avoid more trouble or potentially harmful situations. The underlined words below are “magic words” that you can repeat over and over to show you know the law. Memorize them. Know your rights, so you can use them.

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Know Your Rights
Mar 07, 2025
A hospital waiting room.
  • Immigrants' Rights

Know Your Rights: Immigrant Safety in Hospitals and Clinics

Know Your Rights
Feb 07, 2025
SF Pride 2013
  • LGBTQ+ Rights

Know Your Rights: Same-Sex Marriage

Practical information for same-sex couples who are considering getting married in California. For legal advice concerning your individual case, please consult an attorney.
Know Your Rights
Feb 07, 2025
A person wearing a bulletproof vest with the word police across the back.
  • Immigrants' Rights|
  • +2 Issues

Know Your Rights: Local Law Enforcement and Immigration Under the California Values Act (SB 54)

Know Your Rights
Dec 20, 2024
orange banner with school supplies
  • Free Speech|
  • +9 Issues

Know Your Rights: Student Rights

As a public school student in California, you have rights at your school. Explore your rights as students, so you can advocate for yourself and your communities.
Know Your Rights
Dec 19, 2024
Customs and Border Patrol officer questioning a person at a port of entry. Both are wearing face masks.
  • Immigrants' Rights|
  • +1 Issue

Know Your Rights: U.S. Airports and Ports of Entry

Now more than ever, it's important to know your basic constitutional rights when entering the United States from abroad. If you believe any of your rights were violated or wish to report mistreatment at an airport or land Port of Entry in California, please contact us.
Know Your Rights
Nov 13, 2024
know your rights: the brown act and open meeting rights
  • Open Government

Know Your Rights: The Brown Act and Open Meeting Rights

California has a law that guarantees us all the right to participate in public meetings of most local governing bodies. Learn how to use the Brown Act to make your voice heard. If you need to report a violation, contact our intake line at www.intake.aclunc.org.
Know Your Rights
Oct 23, 2024
Poster being held up that reads Abortion is healthcare, Abortion is a right
  • Reproductive Justice

Know Your Rights: Abortion Access in California

This resource addresses abortion rights in California for residents or travelers to the state to access abortion.
Know Your Rights
Sep 12, 2024
Line drawing of a protestor with a bullhorn
  • Free Speech|
  • +1 Issue

Know Your Rights: Free Speech at Colleges and Universities

Free speech laws protect activism on both public and private campuses, but they have their limits.
Know Your Rights
Sep 12, 2024
Title image with binders
  • Free Speech|
  • +1 Issue

Know The Facts: Campus Protests & More — Student Discipline at California Colleges and Universities

If you are a college or university student and are accused of breaking school rules while protesting or for some other reason, you may face discipline. This guide provides tips for navigating your school’s disciplinary system. School policies can vary, so it’s important to understand your campus rules. Public institutions have different rules than private ones.