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Practice Areas • Practices • First Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads as follows:

"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 applies only to government misconduct. It does not apply to the conduct of private businesses or employers.

First Amendment violations can take many forms including

  • efforts to suppress or prevent speech before it occurs
  • allowing speech by certain favored groups while denying opportunities to other less-favored points of view
  • endorsing or prohibiting expression of religious viewpoints in public schools or other public fora
  • denying permits to allow protected speech in public areas based on the viewpoint expressed
  • requiring public employees to support a particular candidate or party as a condition of obtaining or keeping most public employment
  • retaliating against individuals for their exercise of their First Amendment rights

The Chandra Law Firm LLC's lawyers have had numerous First Amendment litigation successes:

The firm's First Amendment savvy arises from our experience both in and out of government.

Founding partner Subodh Chandra, for example, successfully defended two large-city mayors against First Amendment-retaliation claims from media organizations and has overseen research and advice on numerous First Amendment and other constitutional issues.

Contact The Chandra Law Firm LLC if you believe your First Amendment rights have been violated

Our attorneys have experience obtaining justice for victims of First Amendment violations including free-speech violations, First Amendment retaliation, religious discrimination, and political-patronage dismissals. If you think that your rights have been violated, contact us to discuss your options.

You can reach our firm, which serves clients throughout Ohio, by calling 216-578-1700 or, better yet, by filling out our online contact form.

Making the right choice in legal representation can make the difference in whether you achieve a result that protects your legal rights and best interests.

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