Resources & Reference Materials
Comprehensive FAQs, downloadable guides, legal glossary, and external resources to support your constitutional education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record inside a post office?
Yes, you can generally record in the public areas of post offices. However, postal workers may ask you to step outside customer service areas or move to accommodate operations. Always remain respectful and comply with reasonable requests from postal employees.
Do I have to identify myself to police?
In most states, you are not required to provide identification unless you are lawfully detained for a specific suspected crime. However, some states have 'stop and identify' laws. Know your local jurisdiction's requirements and always remain calm during interactions.
What if they say I'm causing a disturbance?
Remain calm and ask specifically what behavior is considered disturbing. If you are peacefully recording from a public area without blocking access or interfering with operations, you are likely within your rights. However, be prepared to disengage if the situation escalates.
Can they make me stop filming?
Public officials cannot generally order you to stop filming in public spaces without a valid legal justification. However, if given a direct lawful order, document it clearly and consider compliance while preserving your recording. Address violations through proper legal channels later.
What is a lawful order?
A lawful order is a directive from a law enforcement officer that is within their authority and based on legitimate law enforcement needs. It must be specific, reasonable, and related to public safety or legitimate government interests. When in doubt, comply and challenge later through proper channels.
What should I do if my equipment is seized?
Do not physically resist. Clearly state you do not consent to the seizure. Ask for a receipt and case number. Document the seizure with witnesses if possible. Contact legal counsel immediately. Courts have generally held that officers need consent or a warrant to search digital devices.
How close can I get to ongoing police activity?
Maintain a reasonable distance that doesn't interfere with police operations. Courts have suggested distances of 8-15 feet in some cases, but this varies by situation. Follow officer instructions regarding distance while continuing to assert your right to observe and record from a reasonable distance.
Can I audit at night or during emergencies?
Your constitutional rights don't disappear at night or during emergencies, but use extra caution. Emergency situations may require greater distances for safety. Be aware that heightened security concerns may lead to more scrutiny. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to disengage.
Downloadable Resources
Pre-Audit Checklist
Comprehensive preparation checklist covering research, equipment, and safety protocols.
Download GuideEncounter Script Cards
Professional response templates for common questions and situations.
Download ScriptsPost-Audit Report Template
Professional documentation template for recording audit details and outcomes.
Download TemplateDownload links will be updated with actual PDF resources. Contact support for current materials.
Legal Terms Glossary
Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions
Constitutional limitations on speech that regulate when, where, and how expression occurs, rather than the content of the speech. Must be reasonable, content-neutral, and narrowly tailored.
Public Forum
Government property that has traditionally been open for public expression and debate. Includes sidewalks, streets, and parks. Receives the highest level of First Amendment protection.
Limited Public Forum
Government property that has been opened for certain types of public expression. Government can impose reasonable restrictions but cannot discriminate based on viewpoint.
Lawful Order
A directive from a law enforcement officer that is within their legal authority, specific, reasonable, and related to legitimate law enforcement purposes or public safety.
Reasonable Expectation of Privacy
A legal test used to determine whether a person's privacy rights are protected in a given situation. Generally, people in public spaces have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Qualified Immunity
A legal doctrine that shields government officials from liability for civil damages unless their actions violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights.
Content-Based Restriction
Government limitations on speech based on the subject matter or message. These face the highest level of constitutional scrutiny and are presumptively unconstitutional.
Prior Restraint
Government action that prohibits speech or publication before it occurs. This is one of the most serious forms of censorship and faces strict constitutional scrutiny.
Viewpoint Discrimination
Government restriction on speech based on the specific perspective or opinion expressed. This is generally prohibited in public forums.
Strict Scrutiny
The highest level of constitutional review applied to government restrictions on fundamental rights. The government must show the restriction serves a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored.
External Resources
ACLU - Know Your Rights
Comprehensive guide to civil liberties and constitutional rights
Visit ResourceElectronic Frontier Foundation
Digital rights and privacy protection resources
Visit ResourceGlik v. Cunniffe (2011)
First Circuit ruling establishing right to record police
Visit ResourceTurner v. Driver (2017)
Fifth Circuit ruling on First Amendment recording rights
Visit ResourceState Law Reference
State-Specific Information
Laws vary significantly by state and locality. Always research your specific jurisdiction.
Important: This tool is under development. Always verify with local counsel and official state statutes. Laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction.
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