{"id":30877,"date":"2021-07-08T15:42:54","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T20:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-legal\/constitution\/amendment1\/does-the-first-amendment-protect-protestors-.html"},"modified":"2024-08-07T15:53:59","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T20:53:59","slug":"does-the-first-amendment-protect-protestors","status":"publish","type":"constitution","link":"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/does-the-first-amendment-protect-protestors.html","title":{"rendered":"Does the First Amendment Protect Protestors?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7  fl-block-columns fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles   fl-block-column fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Does the First Amendment Protect Protestors?<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/balrina-ahluwalia-esq\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/edward-maggio-esq\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Edward Maggio, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            August 07, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\" rel=\"noopener\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\" rel=\"noopener\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>From the Boston Tea Party to Black Lives Matter, protests have consistently played an important role in shaping American history. In this article, we examine the Supreme Court\u2019s treatment of protests as a form of expression protected by the First Amendment.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>In 1791, America adopted the <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/bill-of-rights.html\">Bill of Rights<\/a>. These were the first ten amendments to the <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/\">U.S. Constitution<\/a>. They championed personal freedoms and curtailed governmental authority. The First Amendment embodies these democratic principles, stating:<\/p>\r\n<p><i>\u201cCongress 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.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>From this language, we can see these freedoms begin as a limitation on Congress. In other words, <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/congress.html\" rel=\"noopener\">Congress<\/a> may not pass laws that restrict our rights to:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/freedom-of-religion.html\">Freedom of Religion<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1.html\">Freedom of Speech<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/what-is-freedom-of-the-press\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Freedom of the Press<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/first-amendment-freedom-of-assembly-and-petition.html\">Freedom of Assembly<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/first-amendment-freedom-of-assembly-and-petition.html\">Freedom to Petition the Government<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>By interpreting the First and <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14\/annotation03.html\">Fourteenth Amendments<\/a>, the Supreme Court has extended this limitation on Congress to limit government action of any kind and at any level.<\/p>\r\n<p>We sometimes refer to government action in this context as <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/state-action.html\" rel=\"noopener\">state action<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>The First Amendment generally constrains government regulation of private activity. It doesn\u2019t, for example, limit government restrictions on <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/government-speech-and-government-property-under-the-first-amendm.html\">government speech<\/a>. And it doesn\u2019t generally constrain private entities.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, private employers aren\u2019t subject to First Amendment constraints. Generally, they can hire or fire you for any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination.html\" rel=\"noopener\">nondiscriminatory<\/a> reason. However, some states have laws that prohibit private employers from firing employees for exercising their First Amendment rights.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Protected Activities Under the First Amendment<\/h2>\r\n<p>The Supreme Court has also determined that free speech rights protected by the First Amendment include the written word and other forms of expressive conduct. For example, messaging on a t-shirt or wearing an armband protesting a war are both forms of speech or expression protected by the First Amendment.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court has also determined that free expression includes <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/first-amendment-freedom-of-association.html\">freedom of association<\/a>. Although this freedom isn\u2019t mentioned in the First Amendment, the Court has deemed it \u201can indispensable means of preserving\u201d other First Amendment rights. Therefore, the Court recognizes a First Amendment right to free association for the purpose of engaging in assembly, speech, and other First Amendment activities.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Does the First Amendment protect Protests?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The First Amendment right to peaceably assemble protects our right to gather together and\/or protest on public property. The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances means the public is entitled to have their issues heard by the government. The right to air grievances without fear of subsequent punishment or censorship is fundamental to the concept of democracy.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court has <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/299\/353.html\" rel=\"noopener\">established<\/a> that these rights are just as fundamental as free speech. Particularly in modern times, the Court uses <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/freedom-of-expression.html\" rel=\"noopener\">freedom of expression<\/a> to mean protected speech that includes other First Amendment rights like assembly and petition.<\/p>\r\n<p>So, our First Amendment rights are protected from government intrusion. However, these rights are not absolute. The Supreme Court has established several permissible restrictions on expression.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Right to Protest and Public Safety Concerns<\/h2>\r\n<p>The First Amendment protects peaceful demonstrations in public areas. However, they may be subjected to reasonable regulation.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Supreme Court has established that <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/time-place-or-manner-restriction.html\" rel=\"noopener\">time, place, and manner restrictions<\/a> on First Amendment rights are generally constitutional as long as they are <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/content-and-viewpoint-based-regulation-of-speech.html\">content-neutral<\/a>. Likewise, the government may lawfully stop a protest that\u2019s accompanied by violence and intimidation. This is because the right is to \u201cpeaceably\u201d assemble.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court has developed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/challenging-laws-3-levels-of-scrutiny-explained\/\" rel=\"noopener\">legal standards<\/a> and frameworks for evaluating whether government restrictions on these rights violate the First Amendment. They generally involve weighing the state interest served by the government restriction against the First Amendment freedoms burdened by the restriction.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What is an Example of a Protest Restriction that Violates the First Amendment?<\/h3>\r\n<p>For instance, the government cannot typically prohibit peaceful gatherings for political purposes. Any government limitations on such assemblies must meet the relevant legal criteria to be deemed constitutional.<\/p>\r\n<p>This right to peaceful protest is subject to limitation and only applies to public spaces. Expression that occurs at traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/public-forum.html\" rel=\"noopener\">public forums<\/a> like parks and sidewalks enjoys the <a href=\"https:\/\/casetext.com\/case\/mccullen-v-coakley-9?sort=relevance&amp;q=573%20U.S.%20464&amp;p=1&amp;tab=keyword&amp;jxs=&amp;type=case\" rel=\"noopener\">strongest First Amendment protection<\/a>. Protests often occur at these public forums.<\/p>\r\n<p>Protesting typically involves a type of assembly and political speech or public speech encouraging action about perceived injustices. The Supreme Court has <a href=\"https:\/\/supreme.findlaw.com\/supreme-court-insights\/what-really-happened-in-citizens-united-v--fec-.html\" rel=\"noopener\">established<\/a> that political speech is entitled to \u201crobust protection under the First Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<h2>Private Property<\/h2>\r\n<p>Private property owners may generally control what happens on their own property. For example, they can prevent protests on their property, and violators could be arrested for trespass. &nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Likewise, social media sites are typically owned by private entities. They are not subject to First Amendment constraints. Thus, they can set their own rules for regulating or restricting speech.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Protests on College Campuses<\/h2>\r\n<p>On the other hand, public colleges and universities are owned and operated by the government. This means they are bound by <a href=\"https:\/\/supreme.findlaw.com\/supreme-court-insights\/brandenburg-v--ohio--permissible-restrictions-on-violent-speech.html\" rel=\"noopener\">First Amendment constraints<\/a>. As a result, protests on public campuses are generally treated like protests on other public property. The Supreme Court has <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/395\/444.html\" rel=\"noopener\">addressed<\/a> several First Amendment <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/408\/169.html\" rel=\"noopener\">cases<\/a> stemming from public <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/the-legal-consequences-of-getting-arrested-in-college-for-nonviolent-protesting\/\" rel=\"noopener\">college protests<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Private colleges and universities, on the other hand, aren\u2019t governmental entities. Accordingly, students at these schools don\u2019t enjoy the same First Amendment rights as <a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment1\/free-speech-rights-of-students.html\">students at public schools<\/a>. The First Amendment doesn\u2019t constrain schools, and they may set their own rules and policies. However, they are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education.html\" rel=\"noopener\">heavily regulated<\/a> because of their federal funding.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Supreme Court Cases on Protests and Picketing<\/h2>\r\n<p>Supreme Court decisions have long <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/307\/496.html\" rel=\"noopener\">recognized<\/a> the First Amendment rights associated with parades and picketing. Still, these forms of expression protected by the First Amendment may be regulated. After all, <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/civil-disobedience.html\" rel=\"noopener\">civil disobedience<\/a> often requires limits for law enforcement to maintain order and public safety.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some important First Amendment principles emerge from the Supreme Court\u2019s handling of labor disputes.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Thornhill v. Alabama<\/h3>\r\n<p>In 1940, the Court first recognized that the First Amendment protects picketing. The <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/310\/88.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Thornhill v. Alabama<\/i><\/a> Court reviewed a state law criminalizing picketing around a business to interfere with it.<\/p>\r\n<p>Thornhill was a labor union president. He joined a labor strike picketing his former employer. The police arrested him. He challenged the Alabama law on First Amendment grounds.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court concentrated on the freedoms of speech and press. These liberties safeguard the right to participate in public and truthful discourse concerning matters of public interest.<\/p>\r\n<p>This freedom of discussion necessarily encompasses disseminating information related to matters of public concern, including labor disputes. And the people should be free to engage in such discussions without fear of punishment.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court explained that First Amendment rights were intended to facilitate robust discourse and open exchange of ideas. Democracy can only work if Americans believe the government is receptive to public opinion.<\/p>\r\n<p>Accordingly, people must be free to form opinions and influence those of others. This means that the First Amendment must protect the types of communication that inform public opinion.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Alabama law shut down practically every possible communication that, \u201cmay enlighten the public on the nature and causes of a labor dispute.\u201d The state contended the law protected the state interest in preserving the peace.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, they failed to satisfy the (now discredited) <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/clear-and-present-danger.html\" rel=\"noopener\">clear and present danger<\/a> test. The Court further reasoned that places like public streets were appropriate for the \u201cdissemination of information and opinion\u201d surrounding a labor dispute.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here, the law applied to Thornhill, allowing the police to arrest him for silently walking back and forth on a public sidewalk with a factual sign. The sign included a true statement that the business didn\u2019t employ union men from the American Federation of Labor.<\/p>\r\n<p>Issues like working conditions and others that spark labor disputes must be in the public arena. This is necessary for a democracy to function and shape the future of an industrialized society.<\/p>\r\n<p>The opportunity for expression in the ideas and public opinion marketplace should be protected. Restrictions on these First Amendment freedoms can only be tolerated to avert the clear danger of substantive evils.<\/p>\r\n<p>This danger wasn\u2019t always present in the picketing activity banned by Alabama law. Thus, the state\u2019s blanket prohibition on picketing to influence or induce action unjustifiably burdened Thornhill\u2019s First Amendment rights.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Milk Wagon Drivers Union v. Meadowmoor Dairies<\/h3>\r\n<p>The following year, the Court adapted its position in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/312\/287.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Milk Wagon Drivers Union v. Meadowmoor Dairies<\/i><\/a>. The Milk Wagon Court acknowledged that \u201cpeaceful picketing is the workingman\u2019s means of communication.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Still, the Court upheld an <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/injunction.html\" rel=\"noopener\">injunction<\/a> prohibiting peaceful protest because of the violence that accompanied it. The Court explained that an injunction against peaceful picketing \u201cenmeshed with contemporaneously violent conduct\u201d doesn\u2019t violate the First Amendment.<\/p>\r\n<p>For the next few years, the Court heard several picketing cases. In the absence of violence, it consistently <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/320\/293.html\" rel=\"noopener\">upheld<\/a> the right to picket.<\/p>\r\n<p>In 1949, however, it began to recognize another exception. Specifically, the Court held in several <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/345\/192.html\" rel=\"noopener\">cases<\/a> that the free discussion associated with peaceful labor dispute picketing may be restricted if the picketing goes against valid state policies.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Bakery Drivers Local v. Wohl<\/h3>\r\n<p>As Justice Douglas noted in his <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/315\/769.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Bakery Drivers Local v. Wohl<\/i><\/a> concurrence, certain unique aspects of picketing subject it to restrictions. Regardless of the ideas and information communicated, picketing by an organized group involves:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>More than just free speech<\/li>\r\n<li>Patrol of a certain place<\/li>\r\n<li>Potential action induced by a picket line<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Hughes v. Superior Court of California<\/h3>\r\n<p>In the 1950 Supreme Court case of <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/339\/460.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Hughes v. Superior Court<\/i><\/a><i>, <\/i>the Court upheld an injunction against picketers. The picketers wanted a local grocery store to implement quota hiring for Black employees. The Court held that picketing to demand the implementation of a racially discriminatory hiring policy went against public policy. Thus, the injunction wasn\u2019t held to violate the picketers\u2019 First Amendment rights.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Niemotko v. Maryland<\/h3>\r\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/340\/268.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Niemotko v. Maryland<\/i><\/a>, the Court reversed the conviction of several Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses. The group requested a permit from the city to hold Bible study in the park, but the city denied the request. Still, the group gathered in the park for Bible study, and they were arrested for disorderly conduct.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court determined there was no law in place governing the issuance of permits. City officials could issue or deny permits based on their own views. The Court found no basis for denying the Bible study group\u2019s permit except \u201cdislike for or disagreement with the Witnesses or their views.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Thus, the Court held the convictions violated the Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses\u2019 First Amendment rights to free speech and religion.<\/p>\r\n<h3>International Brotherhood of Teamsters v. Vogt<\/h3>\r\n<p>In 1957, the Court decided&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/354\/284.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>International Bhd. of Teamsters v. Vogt<\/i><\/a>, where the Court broadened permissions for government restrictions on picketing. It declared it constitutional for the state to enjoin peaceful picketing aimed at preventing enforcement or implementation of some public policy.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, some years later, the Court <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/355\/131.html\" rel=\"noopener\">clarified<\/a> that broad prohibition on peaceful picketing may conflict with First Amendment rights.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Edwards v. South Carolina<\/h3>\r\n<p>In 1963, the <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/372\/229.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Edwards v. South Carolina<\/i><\/a><i> <\/i>Court overturned a breach of peace conviction for protesters arrested on a public sidewalk. The African-American protesters were marching near the state house. They were peacefully expressing their dissatisfaction with discrimination. The police ordered them to disperse. They refused. The police arrested them.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court found the convictions to be unconstitutional. Essentially, the protesters were arrested for peacefully expressing unpopular views. The Court explained that the protestors were exercising \u201cbasic constitutional rights in their most pristine and classic form.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Thus, the Court determined the convictions violated the protestors\u2019 First Amendment rights of free speech, free assembly, and freedom to petition to redress their grievances.<\/p>\r\n<p>In 1969, the Court began to develop standards that seemingly provide more protection for expressive activity.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Shuttlesworth v. Birmingham<\/h3>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/394\/147.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Shuttlesworth v. Birmingham<\/i><\/a> Court addressed a matter that originated with the civil rights movement. In Shuttlesworth, the Court reviewed a local ordinance that banned public demonstrations without a permit. This included parades and processions.<\/p>\r\n<p>Local government officials were granted broad discretion in issuing permits. Commissioner Bull Connor denied Shuttlesworth a permit for a civil rights march protesting segregation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Connor said, \u201cI insist that you and your people do not start any picketing on the streets in Birmingham, Alabama.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Shuttlesworth still held the march. He was arrested and convicted. He challenged his conviction on First Amendment grounds. The Supreme Court ultimately heard the case.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court determined the ordinance operated as a <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/prior-restraint.html\" rel=\"noopener\">prior restraint<\/a> on Shuttleworth\u2019s speech. And its enforcement was racially discriminatory.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Court recognized that time, place, and manner restrictions on speech are permissible. But they may not be administered in a discriminatory manner.<\/p>\r\n<p>Municipalities may also require permits before events. &nbsp;After all, such restrictions help municipalities maintain public safety and order and manage the many uses of a public roadway.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, Connor gave Shuttlesworth no indication he could obtain a permit for his march at any time or place. &nbsp;Here, the denial of Shuttleworth\u2019s permit was an unconstitutional suppression of speech.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Ward v. Rock Against Racism<\/h3>\r\n<p>The Court addressed <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/491\/781.html\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Ward v. Rock Against Racism<\/i><\/a> in 1989. In Ward, the Court provided more guidance for time, place, and manner restrictions. It held that such restrictions don\u2019t violate the First Amendment if they\u2019re:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Content-neutral<\/li>\r\n<li>Narrowly tailored to advance a significant government interest<\/li>\r\n<li>Leave available alternative mean of communication<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you are considering participating in a protest or attending one as an observer, it\u2019s important to know your rights. On one hand, protesting illustrates some of the most protected First Amendment activity. On the other hand, state officials must still be able to maintain public order and safety. The development of Supreme Court caselaw weighing these interests provides us with some invaluable insight.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n     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12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div 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