Plain-English Explanation
Freedom of petition protects the right to ask the government to correct wrongs or change policy — through lawsuits, letters, lobbying, or formal complaints. It includes the right to access courts to redress grievances.
Relevant Provision
U.S. Const. amend. I.
Relevant Decisions
California Motor Transport Co. v. Trucking Unlimited
404 U.S. 508 (1972)
Recognized that the right to petition extends to administrative and judicial proceedings and protects collective petitioning activity.