Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
As a collegiate journalist student, the first Amendment means I can take pictures and report on them in a fair and honest manner.
I have the right to tell the truth about any given subject, even if it criticizes important people, organizations and/or decisions such as government.
For example, if I were to snap a photo of a congressman kicking and beating a puppy and I reported it, including prior convictions on animal abuse in the past, I am protected by the First Amendment. I am protected as long as I do my research, do not portray that congressman in a false light, take the picture while on private land, or obtain information illegally. This means that if I were standing on the public street when I snapped the picture of the congressman abusing the animal, he cannot confiscate my camera, film or memory card, or detain me. I also cannot be put in jail for sharing the story, even though the abuser was a government official.
The First Amendment protects my right as a photojournalist to report a story, without the worry of prosecution because the government doesn’t like what I have to say.
