4/30/2012
Porterville/CA

Mario
Smith/Monache
One definition of "Assembly" I found was: (n.) A company of persons collected together in one place, and usually for some common purpose, esp. for deliberation and legislation, for worship, or for social entertainment. So in a way, partying is a form of assembly. I don't believe that partying is bad, its the the irresponsible decisions that people make. The ones I've been to usually have some sort of disorientated youths completely intoxicated. As for the stickers on houses, I would feel very embarrassed if an officer would put that on my apartment. It basically says "Hey! The police busted me!" which is found to be embarrassing in our society. This breaking up of partying is , in a way, a violation of our first amendment right; its just the unintelligent actions done by certain party-ers that cause trouble and which is why authorities are worried.

---

1/3/2012
MA

Jon
BCC
lol all I got to say is there are some real idiots commenting here talking about the founding father had more to worry about then parties or didn't intend for parties to be protected by the first amendment. Do you people think that they didn't party back then? Insanity. People partied back then. They also had bars. They also drank alcohol. At the time, there were no age limits on alcohol either so that wasn't an issue either. The police should not be able to enter your house without a warrant for any reason. The most that should happen is that you be subject to increasingly greater fines if you are causing a noise disturbance. The first amendment was meant to protect people from government intruding into their homes. The idea at the time was that if there was a need for a new revolution because of a government not working in the interest of the people, it would be possible to plan in peoples homes. We gotta fight for our right.... to partty

---

10/19/2011
Sidney,Montana

lizzy
Ms. Fontana/Sidney High School
i think we have a right to party and that in that town specifically, it is being messed with like none other. it is WRONG to be able to break up a party of people of five or more. thats just stupid. now, i can understand when a party gets way out of hand and theres tons of crazy fights. when parties get too lound cuz its a huge butt party and everyones loud and its disrupting the town, to a point i can even understand that...but a party of five? no. plus most of them are college kids, what do you expect? and they shouldnt make people stand out like that with those stickers, thats not nice....but anyways, i think everyone should have the right to party, if they want the alcohol, they should be able to have it..specially if they are of age AND they are doing it at a house and not booze cruisin

---

10/19/2011
Sidney

Hayley
Miss Fontana/Sidney High School
Yes we have a right to party. If it's not bothering other people, then I just don't see the big deal. I don't see how they can break up parties of five or more people. Why does it matter how many people are there, as long as they are not disturbing anybody. And besides, partying is fun.

---

10/19/2011
Sidney, Montana

Candace
Ms. Fontana
I think that we do have a right to party. If we can choose what we want to do with our lives then the choice to party is our decision as well and therefore i think it should be protected by the first amendment.

---

10/19/2011
sidney

steffan
miss fontana
party is poopy. and dangerous. just dont do it.

---

5/19/2011
Tx

Holly B
MISD
I believe I have a first amendment right to party. Although I am considered underage, I still think if I, myself, can choose to go to church and practice a religion, or speak my mind, that I, myself, can choose to party. But then again, parties are almost much too broad of a topic to really judge; there are many different types of "partying," whether it be a first birthday, a graduation, or even a superbowl party. I think everyone should have a right to attend a party, or for the lack of a better word, party, as long as everyone is safe and responsible.

---

5/17/2011
Montgomery, TX

Hailey R
MISD
I personally believe that the new law violates the first amendment, but only to a certain extent. The first amendment does grant the right to assembly but it has to be done with regard to the rights of all other persons. Therefore as long as the parties are kept contained and do not interfere with people in the surrounding area they should have the ability to remain unaffected by the law.

---

3/25/2011
Rudyard, MT

Brian
Mrs. Campbell/ North Star High School
It all depends on the extent of how much a person parties. The 1st amendment allows freedom of speech, unless it is used to promote crimes. If a person at a party organizes crimes or commits any other crime; ex: public nuisance or disorderly behavour, then the 1st amendment doesn't allow the partying. But if a person doesn't do that, then they should definately have the right to freedom of assembly.

---

3/10/2011
Greenscatle

Shelby Arnold
Greencatsle- Antrim High
I believe that we all have the right to go partying, but we all also have the responsibilities that partying has with it. I mean colleges have parties all the time. The Top Ten colleges that have the highest party rate according to Princeton, is the University of Princeton, University Of Georgia, Ohio University, University Of Pennsylvania, West Virginia University, University Of Mississippi, University of Texas, University Of Florida, University Of California Santa Barbra, University Of Iowa, and DePauw University. According to psu.edu, the data reports that Friday and Saturday nights are still high drinking nights, but students aren’t increasing the amount they drink on other nights of the

---

3/10/2011
Greencastle

Katelyn
Greencastle-Antrim HS
I believe that partying should not go against your First Amendment rights as long as you are not doing anything wrong. People should be able to gather and have a fun time. The First Amendment includes the right to assembly. According to Google, an assembly is a group of persons who are gathered together for a common purpose. According to Princeton review, the party is the common purpose. The top ten party schools are Princeton University, University of Georgia, Ohio University, Pennsylvania State University, West Virginia University, University of Mississippi, University of Texas, University of Florida, University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Iowa, and DePauw University. As l

---

3/10/2011
Downtown

Charlie Brown
Mrs. North
In my opinion, I think we as teens have the right to party, to a certain extent. Noise and alcohol are the biggest problems at parties and it gets the police involved. This doesn’t mean that everything the police do is against your first amendment rights. The first amendment says; 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. The right to assemble doesn’t mean it’s the right to have a party with a whole bunch of people there. According to Shippensburg University’s webs

---

5/23/2010

kenneth
nehs Frank, phila pa
i believe that if no laws are broken at the time of partying then its okay. if we say we cant have a party then mr.frank cant have a party for his son? thats not right. if people are under control then we should be aloud.

---

5/17/2010

Rasheed M
Northeast high, Phila/Pa
Personally i feel that living freely in an apropiate way is ever persons GOD GIVE RIGHT...now thats not to say if theres a mosh pit near an elderly home that should be allowed, but as far as having a great time with out hurting anyone thats every mas right...If the cops come that to me isnt wrong thats actually the fun part...

---

5/3/2010

Casey
Nimitz High School, Irving,Texas
I believe that we do have the first amendment right to party but to a certain extent just like anything else you do. People should be able to gather and party just like any other type of assembly as long as they do not disrupt and impose. This is just like being able to dislike anyone and keeping that dislike to mental and emotional level and not a physical one.

---

4/29/2010

Arianna P6
LMS, Pomona/CA
I totally agree with Chelsea because it is apart of the first amendment in my point of view.The first amendment clearly states that you have the right of meeting peacefully in groups.Another words we can party for example without police coming and breaking it up.Which all leads to freedom of assembly but,if there were to be illegal things going on that you know of that's when the police can come in and break it up.Then if it becomes a problem then you can always give a time limit to it.

---

4/28/2010

chelsea-period3
LMS, Pomona/CA
I agree with Ryan, because parties are a form of assembly. I do think that he is absolutly right when he says they haven't worried about it in the past years, so why even worry now. The only reason a cop or cops should be informed is when the party gets out of control, or their is a complaint thier too loud then they can turn it down some. I just don't see it a crime hanging out with your friend's and expressing your self.

---

4/21/2010

daniel
lobeer middle, Diamonbar
well if there is a problem with the party's going on in the quiet places then you should make it a loud place so we can party

---

4/16/2010

Joji
Nimitz High School, Irving/TX
Partying is a form of assembly but it is not protected by the first amendment. We are able to express ourselves with parties that are quiet and don't disturb anyone. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence for the rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” granted the “right to party” is a form of fun and happiness, but it impedes on the fun and happiness of those around you. For example if the college students were having a wild obnoxious party at three in the morning, it would be fun for them but not to the other residents in that neighborhood who have to go to work, school or etc. in the morning as they try to sleep over the loud raucous. This is the college students' happiness but it impedes on the happiness of the other residents and neighbors.

---

4/14/2010

AnthonyP5
LMS, Diamond Bar, Ca
I agree with Stefie because it is the freedom of assembly and the propositions all have limits and not a lot of people like the limits on the amendments. The students are doing nothing illegal by getting together.

---

4/14/2010

Chris R.
Nimitz HS, Irving, TX
As many people have already said, parties are a form of assembly, and thus is protected by the First Amendment. However, the chances that that is all that's behind the crackdown in Rhode Island are almost slim to none. More likely, the crackdown involves illegal substances and loud dancing. If you're minding your own business, having a quiet party, and not involving in anything otherwise illegal, then the police won't arrive at your door demanding that you disperse immediately. When you play your music full blast at midnight, keeping up the members of the neighborhood who would much rather be asleep, you're now disturbing the peace. That has nothing to do with the protection provided by the First Amendment. Nor does posession of illegal substances or underage drinking. As to the stickers, if everyone in the neighborhood has them, then everyone's being equally humiliated. They're just stickers after all. While the founders never really intended us to have a right to party, no one's going to bother you if you don't break any laws with your festive "assemblies".

---

4/14/2010

MichaelP5
lorbeer, CA
if you are disturbing the peace then the police has the right to dispurse any assembly. The reason is because it is not protected by First Amendment.On the other hand if you are just having a quit party or not disturbing the peace then you are protected by the first amendment.

---

4/9/2010

Tyler
Tenafly High School, Tenafly, NJ
If there are no illegal substances involved in the partying, I believe that the constitution protects these URI students. The first amendment allows them to assemble and if they are all over the legal drinking age, they are allowed to do so in this assembly. The students are doing nothing illegal by getting together.

---

4/9/2010

Stefie
Tenafly High School, Tenafly, NJ
Partying is part of the first amendment because of its freedom of assembly. As many of my history teachers have told me, all the rights and amendments have limitations. We may not like the limits imposed on us but we cannot have chaos. In a party, people have fun and reunite but it the government must control the party if there are other rights or laws being broken or violated. For example, if there is a party and there are minors consuming alcohol, the government has a right to stop it.

---

4/9/2010

Ayelet
Tenafly High School, Tenafly NJ
Yes, the right to party is certainly granted to us by the first ammendment. Partying is a form of expression, and a form of assembly therefore it is protected under the first amendment. However, like any other right, this right should not be abused. As long as partying does not take away from others' rights and does not violate any other laws, partying is protected under the first ammendment and should not be an issue.

---

3/21/2010

Thomas
Nimitz HS, Irving, Tx
It is true that partying is a form of assembly but at the time the first amendment was written the founding fathers probably had slightly more to worry about than parties, and since none of the founding fathers were around to explain what they meant it is difficult to determine whether partying is protected or not. However, whenever an assembly loses control and begins to break state or local laws the right to assembly must take a back seat to public safety, this is just as true for parties as well.

---

3/18/2010

Samah 1
Bodine HS, Philadelphia, Pa
The First Amendment allows freedom of expression, and in my opinion, when people throw parties/celebrations they are exercising this right. However, there are those many individuals who take it upon themselves to be irresponsible about a situation that involves "partying". Just like our freedom of speech has its limitations at times, partying should too. A party should be fun yet it should still be safe and considerate of people and surroundings, such as neighbors. A party should not exceed it boundaries and should not break local/federal laws.

---

3/12/2010

MILTON
Nimitz HIgh School, Irving, Texas
Of course partying is a form of assembly. That's why when someone says “I'm going to party”, they actually mean I'm going to socialize with other people. That's the whole point in assemblies. But even though partying is an assembly of people. I don't think our founding fathers said “hey lets give the people the constitutional right to party”. I believe they had other more important things to worry about when they were writing the constitution. And when they put in the right to assemble I'm guessing they were referring to political assemblies by the people without the government getting involved. And as for the police putting stickers in party houses is just ridiculous and unnecessary. I'm sure they can came up with other ways to deal with party people. In conclusion I do believe the people have the right to party but calling that right, constitutional, is a little bit to much.

---

3/12/2010

Sarah
WAHS, Warren, Pa
As big of an inconvienance it is when a party gets busted and comes to halt, it is not protected by the first amendment. Partying can infringe on other peoples rights, like when it gets too loud and the neighbors can't sleep, they have a right to turn it in to the police. As much as I would enjoy partying to be protected by the first amendment, it is not.

---

3/12/2010

Telma
Nimitz HS, Irving, TX
The right to assembly is there. But when an assembly or group of people break federal or local laws, the party must cease. Everyone has the right to assembly but that right ends when such assembly, party, or gathering,-you name it-begins to obstruct or violate the rights of other citizens (in this scenario, the tranquility of a restful night). The police is not prohibiting college gatherings- it is regulating them and giving them specific norms. The stickers posted by the police simply serve as warnings to the house hosting the party as well as for the community.

---

3/11/2010

Silvana
Nimitz High School, Irving/Tx
It happens so many times: you get to a party, hang out for a few minutes, and then the cops come and all of the fun ends. While I will complain about the inconvenience, I don't believe that partying is protected in the first amendment. The police don't interfere with church gatherings, town hall meetings, or harmless parties. They only become involved when a party gets out of control or when neighbors call in to complain; because, while the constitution's duty is to protect the rights of individuals, its top priority is the welfare of the general public. It is natural for teenagers to want to hang out with their friends and party. For the most part these social gatherings are harmless; however, if granted protection to party under the first amendment, I believe people would begin to take advantage of the situation, it is inevitable. Partying is a form of assembly and therefore naturally protected under the constitution. No further protection is necessary, because the law isn't “aimed at breaking up intimate parties,” instead it “cracks down” on behavior already considered illegal.

---

3/11/2010

Ryan
WAHS, Warren PA
Yes, parties are a form of assembly. They are a social event for fellow americans to use there first ammendment right. the goverment has no say about it, and they havent have any thing to say in the past few hundred years. The goverment shouldn't worrie about it now.

---

3/11/2010

Hannah
Warren Area High School, Warren, PA
Parties are a form of assembly to a certain extent. As long as it is under control, no matter how many people, i believe we are protected. If police are cracking down so hard just because they have nothing to do but hunt parties of five or more people, i believe that that is overstepping and violating our rights. The orange stickers are a little much-what is the point honestly? The fines depend on the situation. If there are people that are underage, out of control, or using illegal drugs they are not protected and fining them is perfectly acceptable.

---

3/11/2010

Brittany
Warren Area High School, Warren, Pa
I just do not get the fact, cops that werre our age once partied and would complain if their party got caught or reported. It happens everyday and many don't get caught or even are heard of. Yes I do think anyone should have the right to party without getting caught having a good time with a few friends, parties that dont involve drinking also get caught and treated as if they were full of alcohol. If they tend to get out of control and start fires to buildings or fighting yes i can see a problem there and the cops becoming involved, other than that there really isn't a problem having a good time with friends.

---

3/11/2010

Andrew
Warren, PA
I think that everyone in America should have the right to party. If you want to go out with a group of individuals than you can. Freedom to assemble is the best Constitutional amendment ever made by our founding fathers.

---

3/11/2010

Corey j
WAHS, Warren PA
I believe that we do have a first amendment right to party. We have the right to assemble and thats exactly what a party is, a group of people getting together and chilling. And as long as there is no illegal activity, there should be no police intervention. which isn't always the case. but oh well. you only live once. party like a fiend

---

3/11/2010

Jariot
Warren Area High School, Warren,PA
I believe that everybody has the right to party where ever, and whenever they want. It's their choice to do what they want and if they want to party, then let them party. Let people make their own decisions. If they don't want to party then they don't.If they want to party then let them party it up. As long as they aren't putting other people in harms way then it shouldn't matter if they party. So yes, everyone does have a First Amendment Right to party.

---

3/11/2010

Cassie
Warren Area High School, Warren, PA
Partying is a gathering of people, having fun and socializing. The 1st amendment states that the people have the right to peacefully assembly and the 9th amendment also states that even though the right isn't in the Bill of rights it's still considered a right. As long as the party is in control and no one is doing anything ridiculous and/or illegal then yes i do believe that everyone has the right to party.

---

3/11/2010

troy
WAHS, Warren
yes, I believe I have the right to party! The way I see it is, if the party is not causing a disturbance then it should be fine to have parties. People have parties for many things such as the Super Bowl or even just for a birthday and sometimes people do it just to get together. Even if this right was taken away people would still get together for parties.

---

3/11/2010

Nathan
Warren, Warren, PA
I believe that all people have the right to party to a certain extent. When a person thinks of a party they automaticall think sex, drugs, and, alcohol, which is not always the case. If a party can happen without these things while also maintaining peace, there is no problem. If the peace is disturbed then you are violating other peoeples rights and that is seen as illegal.

---

3/11/2010

Jordan
Warren Area Highschool, Warren, PA
Underage drinking has become a serious problem in todays society, but too many people are jumping to conclusions. Most of the general public assumes that just because there is a party then there will be drinkning. As far as I can see, there is no reason for a party to be shut down, unless there are illegal acts being commited. There should be no grounds for dismissal unless the law is being broken. The first amendment gives American citizens the right to assembly, which essentialy gives us the right to party. Party On!

---

3/11/2010

Christian
WAHS, Warren, PA
The "party" is a form of assembly. As americans we have the right to assemble. If people can be responsible about what they are doing and who they are doing it with it shouldnt be a problem. Dont give a reason for the law to get involved and they wont. More than half the time when the law is involved with partying it is because there has been complants. Such as the noise being to loud or destruction of surrounding properties and even underage drinking. Just be responsible and respectfull and our right to assemble shall stand tall.

---

3/11/2010

Braden S
WAHS, Warren/PA
A party should be protected under the first amendment as long as it doesn't turn into something that infringes on other peoples rights. A small chill group of people having a good time is most certainly a peaceful assembly but a party with music loud enough to blow out the neighbors windows and people fighting on the front lawn isn't my idea of a peaceful assembly.

---

3/11/2010

Braden S
WAHS, Warren/PA
A party should be protected under the first amendment as long as it doesn't turn into something that infringes on other peoples rights. A small chill group of people having a good time is most certainly a peaceful assembly but a party with music loud enough to blow out the neighbors windows and people fighting on the front lawn isn't my idea of a peaceful assembly.

---

3/10/2010

Genesis
Nimitz HS, Irving, TX
Yes, partying is a form of assembly, but not one that I think our Founders seriously considered to be of political importance during their time. Today, however, those parties are a source of political turmoil, as evidenced by the court case mentioned. In my own personal opinion, I don’t believe that our right to party can be protected under the First Amendment. One can interpret the Constitution however they want to, but most people can agree that parties are events at which people enjoy themselves in whatever manner they please with whomever they chose to assemble with. However, that doesn’t mean that people have the right to lose all decency and keep their neighbors awake or allow their guests to get hurt because of overconsuming alcohol or drugs or otherwise. The police and the government have a duty and a right to protect not only our liberties but also to keep the general public safe. Also, the students in Rhode Island know what they did and they know they were loud and rambunctious and as any another person or group would be punished, they too have to suffer the consequences not with jail time, but with stickers. I think a large part of the problem and debate over the right to party is simply that people forget common sense and that when things get out of hand, somebody has to intervene and admist the fun of a party, people don’t want to own up to it or simply deal with the consequences. For that reason, I don’t believe that partiers should be protected under the first amendment and they should instead consider the bigger picture of safety and decency.

---

3/10/2010

Marissa
Warren High School, Warren Pa
I think that everyone in America should have the right to party, only if it is legal. We should have the right to get a goup of people together and have some fun and party. But if a party is out of control and people are not capable of handling themselves, then yes the police should definitely interfere.Whether or not partying is protected under the First Amendment is also dependent on the definition of partying.

---

3/10/2010

Jocelyn
WAHs, Warren PA
Parties are a form of assembly to a certain extent. If the party is out of control and people are breaking the law, then it is not protected under the first amendement right and law enforcements have the right to step in. If you want to have a party with family or close friends and no one is breaking the law then it is in our first amendment right.

---

3/10/2010

COrey
Warren Area HIgh School, Warren Pa
Yes i think that Parties are a form of assembly, and assembly is protected by the First Amendment, but i think that the reason that they there cracking down on this is becasue they are probably being to loud, and that isnt protected. As long as your of the legal age if there is alcohol, and no illegal drugs and your keeping the noise to a respectible limit then thats fine party all you want.If you’re having a respectable party that causes no noise complaints and has no illegal substances or underage drinking, then you’re party is legal and protected by the First Amendment, despite the fact that Framers probably didn’t mean for the First Amendment to extend to parties.

---

3/10/2010

Dylan
WAHS, Warren Pa
Every body has the right to pary hardy! i say if your responsible to party do it up. there is nothing wrong with having a good time with friends

---

3/10/2010

Alex
Warren Area High School, pa
i believe parties are a form of assembly. the government has no right to know what we do in our private life. we are free americans. the only time the authorities should intervene is when the law is being violated.

---

3/10/2010

Edgar N.
Nimitz High School, Irving, Texas
Way to copy directly from my post, "COrey [sic]" from "Warren Area HIgh [sic] School, Warren Pa". Intellectual property theft for the win, right?

---

3/10/2010

Francisco
Nimitz High School, Irving, TX
Well we do get together but we don't get anything done we only party if we actually got together and did important business without disturbing people well than its okay but I also think we can party but not go over board so yes partying can be protected by the first amendment. The stickers is just a little to much there is no need for that, just keep it as it is.

---

3/9/2010

Edgar N.
Nimitz High School, Irving, Texas
Parties are a form of assembly, and assembly is protected by the First Amendment. Loud and illegal parties, however, are not protected by the First Amendment. Contrary to the popular belief, the “Man” is not out there to get you. If you’re having a respectable party that causes no noise complaints and has no illegal substances or underage drinking, then you’re party is legal and protected by the First Amendment, despite the fact that Framers probably didn’t mean for the First Amendment to extend to parties. If a police officer cracks down on a party, it’s either because the party is way too loud or he or she caught people with illegal substances or witnessed underage drinking. That police officer will not go after a party with legal activities. The stickers posted by the police are a form a public humiliation. There are better and more private ways to log houses with continual party abuse. Some hosts might even enjoy these stickers, seeing them as a mark of just how crazy and “cool” his or her parties are. They aren’t necessary, so they should be removed.

---

3/9/2010

Rosaura V
Nimitz High School, Irving,TX
Our right to assemble is protected under the first amendment of the constitution; thus, parties, which are a form of an assembly, are protected. However, raucous and rowdy parties violate the disturbing the peace law. Disturbing the peace law states it shall be unlawful to “congregate because of, participate in or be in any party or gathering of people from which sound emanates of a sufficient volume so as to disturb the peace, quiet or repose of any reasonable person of normal auditory sensitivity residing in any residential area. A police officer may order all persons present in any group or gathering from the dwelling unit to immediately disperse in lieu of being charged under this Section." Also, it is highly possible that college parties include illegal behavior anyways, such as underage drinking, so it's not all bad to break up such parties. On the other hand, the stickers being posted by the police I believe are effective warnings, because it will help breakup raucous parties, where in other states and cities partyers would automatically receive a fine. And if students are so worried about being humiliated then they should simply stop having such rowdy parties, not necessarily all parties in general just rowdy, loud ones.

---

3/8/2010

Nabila
Nimitz, Irving,TX
Partying may be a form of assembly, but I highly doubt our Founding Fathers meant for the modern view of partying to be protected under the first amendment. Police have all the right to break up raucous parties that disturb neighbors and to levy fines “for repeat noise violations.” The police aren't cracking down on tea parties and book club meetings, but are instead breaking up illegal and offensive activities, such as under-aged drinking and the playing of loud noise. Although it is fine to put warning stickers on the homes of offenders, I don't think it is necessary to keep them posted after fines have been paid; the stickers cease to work as precautionary labels and become forms of public humiliation. In essence, the intent of the Narragansett ordinance is appropriate and it was right to be upheld.

---

3/8/2010

Jocelyn
Nimitz High School, Irving/TX
Parties are a form of assembly. Parties should be protected by the First Amendment to a certain point. If a party is out of control and people are not capable of handling themselves, then yes the police should definitely interfere. I think these stickers that where been post on doors are useless and a waste of money. A sticker won't stop a person from starting another crazy party. As a matter of fact it might motivate them to start another party. If people want to get together and enjoy each others company the police should not interfere, because its protected under our First Amendment.

---

3/7/2010

Ana I
Nimitz HS , Irving, Texas
Parties are a form of assembly, but like any form of assembly, they shouldn't be allowed to be out of control. It is okay for police to crackdown on wild parties, especially if they are constant nuisances to neighbors because of their loud noise and litter. On the other hand, it seems ridiculous to target party houses with stickers. Some people might even find those stickers as something to be proud of because the reputation “sticks” with them. Either way, our right to assemble is protected under the first amendment of the constitution and parties are social assemblies. As long as things don't get too crazy, then there should be nothing wrong with having a get together and enjoying life.

---

3/7/2010

Matthew B.
Nimitz, Irving, TX
Partying exists everywhere. Regardless of whether it is right or wrong, partying is a part of an Americans’ everyday life. The question of whether it is protected under the constitution is an entirely different story. Upon first look, I would have to say that it is certainly protected under the constitution or this would not be a “free” country. However, there are many conditions to which I make that statement. A party is an assembly of people exercising their freedoms. But we all know that is not the only thing that happens at parties. There can be drinking, drugs, and a variety of actions that are breaking city, state, and national laws. This is NOT protected under the constitution. Being the son of a police officer, I know that police officers are not “out to get” all kids that are just having fun. They are just doing their jobs, which is to punish people who are breaking laws. And breaking laws is mainly what happens at parties. If a cop showed up at a party because they were being too loud to find out they were all reading bibles and singing praise songs, he is not going to arrest everybody. They only take further action if there are people breaking the law at the party. The government and police are not against parties and assembly, because they actually are protected under the constitution. They will only take further action if the people at these parties are breaking laws. But let’s not be naïve. We all know what happens at parties, and that is why they seem to be discriminated against.

---

3/7/2010

Karina
Nimitz High School, Irving, Tx
Partying is a form of assembly, to an extend. Wild and loud parties should be brought down. Orange stickers on doors are just a form of notifying the owner; just like parking tickets on the windshield. Not all parties are to be classified as unlawful, just because it is of more than five people. As humans we have the right to assemble and have congregations. If partying is illegal then the whole country would have to be fined or under arrest. Parties are common, everywhere you go there is always going to be some kind of festivity going on. Thus parties are protected under the first amendment as a form of assembly, it should be protected unless it is too boisterous.

---

3/6/2010

Ana A
Nimitz High School, Irving, Texas
Partying is a form of assembly where certain people gather together for a similar purpose, therefore people have the right to party as long they do not trespass the limits, limits such as breaking the law, and disturbing people/neighbors. When a party is taking place in a house, where loud music, and a lot of disorder is being played, it is very likely that neighbors will get annoyed and will report it to the police department so the police department can take care of it. The first response could be the cops coming over to the house where all the disturbance is taking place and give them a first warning, a sticker will be posted by the police in their house as a form of warning, not as a form of humiliation. These stickers that are being posted in their house, do not hurt the owners of the party, and of course the stickers do not humiliate them in any way, people should be thankful that the cops are giving them a second chance to resolve the problem and understand that unless they are not bothering other people they have the right to party. Party as in terms of having fun appropriately, without alcohol,or any other illegal substance, without braking the law and without distracting other people's tranquility.

---

3/5/2010

Amanda
Nimitz High School, Irving, Tx
I believe that parties are a form of assembly and should be protected by the first amendment, but to an extent. Many parties tend to get too loud and out of hand, and most times someone is either hurt or illegal activities are taking place. In that case I believe that it should not be protected under the first amendment. My idea of a party is a bunch of friends getting together to hang out and socialize, those parties should be protected. I do not think that the orange stickers are a form of public humiliation, it is the hosts fault for letting his or her party become too boisterous and out of control.

---

3/5/2010

Ana I
Nimitz HS, Irving, Texas
Parties are a form of assembly, but like any form of assembly, they shouldn't be allowed to be out of control. It is okay for police to crackdown on wild parties, especially if they are constant nuisances to neighbors because of their loud noise and litter. On the other hand, it seems ridiculous to target party houses with stickers. Some people might even find those stickers as something to be proud of because the reputation “sticks” with them. Either way, our right to assemble is protected under the constitution and parties are social assemblies. As long as things don't get too crazy, then people should be allowed to assemble for their social purposes freely.

---

3/4/2010

OTAVIO
NORTHEAST FRANK, PHILA PA
Many teenagers across our country have wrong priorities, partying with friends come before resposabilities, such as work and school. I believe that anyone should have the right to party as long as this party doesnt obsbstruct other peoples not involved in it in harmful ways, such as disturbance with noises among others. But I do believe that noone should have the right to come in and shut down a party just because it is a party, one would have to have a legimet reason for such action such as loudness or destruction. Therefore be smart, and party smart.

---

3/3/2010

kenneth
northeast high school, phila pa
As long as the parting is legal meaning no illegal things are going on then i believe its okay. The government should not be aloud to stop people from gathering and having a good time.

---

3/3/2010

Sasha
Northeast, Philadelphia/ PA
I think that you should be able to party as hard as you like but when there are complaints from people living in the area then that is something that police have no choice but to come down and see whats going on. If there is nothing illegal going on at the party( underage drinking,illegal drugs, etc.) then in that case there shouldn't be a reason to inter-fer. Regardless The only reason i see that the students would win the case by is if the parties that got raided were raided for no legit reason.

---

3/2/2010

Stacie
Nimitz High School, Irving, Tx
Partying can be taken way out of hand, but if it is something that is all in good fun and no one is being hurt or breaking the law, they should be protected by the first amendment. The neighbors have a right to call the cops if they are being bothered by the noise, but the parties shouldn't be shut down or broken up unless repeated calls were made because of noise violations. They should have a warning, then shut down if the violations insist. I wouldn't mind the tags the cops use, I don't think it's very humiliating, it's not like everyone stares at other peoples houses trying to see who got busted for a party. I actually think it'll teach them a lesson.

---

3/2/2010

Duoc
Nimitz, Irving/TX
I think that parties are a form of assembly and is protected by the First Amendment, but to a certain extent. My definition of a party is a group of people all hanging out having a good time, and an assembly is generally defined as a group of people. So by definition, they are related and should be protected by the First Amendment. I think that placing orange stickers on homes are a form of humiliation, because they serve no purpose but to show everyone who has been fined for having loud parties. I believe that it is the hosts' responsibility to control their party because they are the one that had planned the party and invited guests. So they should only be given a fine instead of showing everyone that the host was having out of control parties with orange stickers.

---

3/1/2010

Bryan
Nimitz High School, Irving, TX
Partying is a form of assembly, and if no illegal activities are going on, it should be protected under the first amendment. Partying is just a way that a bunch of friends can get together and hang out. If there is no laws being broken, then there should be no consequence. As far as the noise violations, I think that as long as they have permission by their neighbors to have the party then no one should have a problem. Now if there is illegal activity going on, like under age drinking, then police have every right to break up the parties. I can see how the stickers posted by the police can be a form of public humiliation. I think that the police should find a better way to to leave notes to the owners. For example, they could put it in the mailbox, or call the household and inform the resident why they are calling.

---

3/1/2010

Minh
Nimitz High School, Irving/Texas
Partying is a form of assembly: it is a group of people with a common reason. Although it is a social reason, and not political, our government, over time, has applied the Constitution to all aspects of our lives. Partying is protected under the first amendment, as long as it is “peaceably [assembled]”, which is already allowed by local police. People forget that part, the peaceably part. It insures that the rights of others, like your neighbors trying to sleep, are not infringed upon. As long as the partying is reasonably peaceful, with respect to others around you, with consent if it is too loud, it is protected. Illegal activities happen at parties too, and that has to be frowned upon, too. The stickers posted by the police are a form of public humiliation, or beacon, even though they were meant to be warnings. It will be a symbol for party-goers to help out other party-goers oppressed by “the man”, a symbol of the government condemning a single bad act out of any other act, a symbol that can be corrupted into a corrupt cause (communism, anarchy, who knows). A warning for home owners? Will they sell their homes and move away, thereby allowing party-goers to party again? The stickers need to be gone, but the enforcement against rowdy, illegal parties can stay, as long as we party responsibly. You can't drink and drive, even though you can drink.

---

3/1/2010

Mauricio
Nimitz HS, Irving/TX
Parties are a form of assembly that are protected by the First Amendment. But parties lose protection once they break other laws such as the drinking age or noise-ordinance. Parties allow for groups of people to come together in celebration and to socialize, but some parties introduce illegal substances or practices and that's when the law should shut down parties. The police isn't cracking down on grandma's 70th birthday celebration, unless grandma is passing around beers to her underage grandchildren. Only parties that break a law should be shut down while those that follow all alws and ordinances are protected by the First Amendment.

---

3/1/2010

Edgar I
Nimitz High School, Irving, Texas
The First Amendment does protect the right to assemble, but it does not protect the right to break laws such as underage drinking, use of controlled substances, or disturbing the peace. I do not believe the framers of the Constitution were thinking of parties when they said that we have the right to assemble. One might believe that a party is considered some form of assembly, but the framers did not want to advocate breaking the law when they were discussing citizens assembling. The stickers posted on the homes of the law-breakers are a major warning to those thinking they can get away with breaking the law. Those caught and punished serve as an example to others who want to follow the paths of those delinquents. Parties of people of age are breaking no laws, but any who are must pay the price.

---

3/1/2010

Vita
Nimitz High School, Irving, Tx
People party for several different reasons; graduations, birthdays, retirement, holidays, etc. Whether these occasions in which people reunite can be legally called a form of assembly or not, I do not know. However, I do know that celebrating a special event or even celebrating for no occasion should not be stripped from anyone, especially when there are no illegal activities involved in the party. I would understand why there would be an ordinance if the students from the University of Rhode Island were drinking illegally and causing a riot. The ordinance however, doesn’t seem to revolve around the fact that these students are causing riots, chaos, and calamity, therefore the ordinance really doesn’t make much sense. What it comes down to is the definition of a form of assembly, what exactly it entails. When the definition of an assembly in the First Amendment is clarified than it can be decided if partying is included in it. Because partying can include the celebration of some holiday event such as Christmas, Kwanza, or Easter it would be in a way protected under the First Amendment (free exercise of religion). Whether or not partying is protected under the First Amendment is also dependent on the definition of partying.

---

2/26/2010

Tori and Sydney
Northland High School, Columbus, Ohio
I think that everyone in America should have the right to party. If you want to go out with a group of individuals than you can. Freedom to assemble is the best Constitutional amendment ever made by our founding fathers.