The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law abridging (curtailing) the right of the people to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The process of petitioning the government regarding a person’s complaints about the government (grievances) or to seek the assistance of the government (without fear of punishment or reprisal) applies to both judicial processes (the courts) and administrative processes (administrative agencies). The U.S. Supreme Court has referred to this right to petition for redress of grievances as “among the most precious of the liberties safeguarded by the Bill of Rights.”

In Missouri, as in all states, the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. This means that individuals in Missouri have the right to approach the courts, administrative agencies, and other governmental bodies to express their complaints about government actions or to seek assistance without fear of punishment or reprisal. The U.S. Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of this right, considering it fundamental to the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. Missouri state statutes and federal law both uphold this constitutional guarantee, ensuring that citizens can freely engage in the democratic process by voicing their concerns to government officials and entities. This right is applicable to all levels of government, including federal, state, and local, and encompasses a broad range of actions, from filing lawsuits to participating in public meetings and submitting comments to regulatory agencies.