• First Amendment
  Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, right to record public officials in public spaces.
   
• Fourth Amendment
  Protection from unlawful searches, seizures, detentions.
   
• Fifth Amendment

             Right to remain silent; right against self-incrimination.
 

• Sixth Amendment
  Right to counsel, right to a fair trial.
   
• Fourteenth Amendment
  Equal protection under the law; due process against all government entities.
   

• It’s legal to record police, public officials, and public employees performing their duties in public.
   
• You do not need permission.
   
• You do not need to explain why you are filming.
   
• They cannot lawfully order you to stop unless you are truly interfering (and even then, “interference” has a very high bar).
   
• Relevant Case Law:
  Glik v. Cunniffe, Fields v. Philadelphia, Turner v. Driver.
• 
   

• Voluntary encounters ➔ You don’t have to ID yourself.
   
• Terry stops (reasonable suspicion) ➔ Some states allow officers to demand ID, but the stop must be lawful.
   
• Arrests ➔ You must identify yourself.
   

• Provide license, registration, insurance if driving.
   
• You can refuse to answer questions beyond basic ID info.
   
• You can refuse searches unless they have probable cause or a warrant.
   
• "Am I being detained or am I free to go?", the magic phrase.
   

• Without a warrant, your consent, or probable cause, police cannot legally search your person, vehicle, or property.
   
• Saying "I do not consent to any searches", protects you even if they search anyway (preserving your legal challenge later).
   
• "Plain view" exception explained (what cops can seize without a warrant if it's in plain sight).
   

• Simply staying silent is not enough, you must affirmatively state:
  ➔ "I am invoking my right to remain silent."
   
• Applies in traffic stops, street encounters, and after arrest.
   
• Protects against providing evidence through nervous chatter or confusion.
   

• You can ask for an attorney at any point, even mid-questioning.
   
• Once you ask, all questioning must legally stop.
   
• Say it clearly:
  ➔ "I want to speak to a lawyer."
   
• Police cannot "wear you down" into changing your mind.
   

• Stay calm and do not resist physically (even if they are wrong).
   
• Document everything:
  ➔ Names, badge numbers, times, locations, video evidence.
   
• Get safe, then file complaints, request bodycam footage, and consult a civil rights attorney.
   
• You may have grounds to sue under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.