Home > Topics > Assembly   Overview> By David L. Hudson Jr. First Amendment Center research attorney The First Amendment prohibits government from abridging "the right of the people peaceably to assemble." FULL STORY> Let’s hope convention cities respect right to protest By Gene Policinski To shut down demonstrations, police and public officials must have more supportable reasons than vague concerns over order, safety or image. 08.24.08   Police arrest nearly 400 as GOP wraps up convention At least 19 reporters assigned to cover protests were detained, including two AP journalists who were issued citations for unlawful assembly and then released. 09.05.08 Last system update: Monday, September 8, 2008 | 10:00:42  SEARCH  MORE assembly topics > Curfews, loitering & freedom of association Civil rights & First Amendment Abortion protests & buffer zones Assembly on private property Funeral protests