Legal Definitions - freedom of association

Freedom of association is the right to join with others in a lawful activity. This right is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It means that the government cannot stop people from joining together to do something that is legal.

• Joining a club or organization
• Forming a union or labor group
• Participating in a protest or demonstration

These examples illustrate how people can come together to pursue a common goal or interest. The government cannot prevent them from doing so, as long as their actions are legal.

There are different types of freedom of association:

This is the right to associate with others for the purpose of engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment, such as speech, assembly, and the exercise of religion. For example, a group of people can come together to protest a government policy they disagree with.

This is the right to form and preserve certain intimate human relationships without intrusion by the state. These relationships are familial in nature and are characterized by deep attachments, a high degree of commitment, and the sharing of personal aspects of life. For example, a married couple has the right to privacy in their relationship and the government cannot interfere with it.