If the Xcel Energy Center is going to your spot of choice to raise your voice to an arena full of republicans come September there are a few things you should know.
"Freedom of speech is to be unabridged under our constitution as well as right to assembly. The courts made it clear since Oliver Wendell Holmes there are limits to free speech," Minneapolis based attorney Tom Shroyer says.
For example no matter how public the X looks it's not altogether public.
"Individuals sometimes confuse what is public property. The sidewalks in front of a private building are not at a certain point, public," Shroyer says.
And, according to the statues in St. Paul if you choose to protest with a group of more than 25 people you better have a permit and don't interfere with the public's right of way.
If you need a little legal primer before you go Shroyer suggests the website findlaw.com. On it you can get acquainted with your rights as a protester and if you have questions can submit them to a local attorney who will email you back.
Local attorneys have also planned ahead to help you out, if you do get arrested as a protestor.
"Minnesota lawyers have organized to provide free legal services to individuals and groups who have been arrested so they will be provided counsel and in addition the courts of Ramsey County have marshaled their resources so they will have judges available for the quick dissolution of cases," Shroyer says.
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