Week 4- Are Riots Protected by the First Amendment?
Week 4
Are Riots Protected by the First Amendment?
As protests continue across the nation fighting for an end to racial inequalities and police brutality, many gatherings have shifted from peaceful to violent. With both officers and protestors leaving in ambulances, it is apparent that many events have become less than peaceful. Many individuals continue to fight saying that protests should not be judged by their violent minority. However, the media shows these fits of passion as a way to increase ratings. With that said, many have debated over the response from police and called it 'militarized'.
The question arises: are riots protected by the first amendment? Ashley Eick said in the First Amendment Encyclopedia that "militarized police response poses a chilling effect on the right of peaceable assembly". When looking at police response, often this 'militarized police response' comes after violence, destruction of property, and more. So does this presence truly have a "chilling effect on the right of peaceable assembly" when the gatherings are far from peaceful? Peaceful protests should be allowed and met with protection from law enforcement regardless of the issue being confronted.
On the contrary, when things take a turn, it is necessary for the police to restore order. In the first few nights of protests in Minneapolis, the police played defense. Once the police became 'militarized', protesters backed up and listened resulting in far less damage to the city. So this begs yet another question: will people follow laws if police don't exist?
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