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 New Hampshire, as in all states, the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. This means that individuals have the right to approach the government, including both courts and administrative agencies, to express their complaints or 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. New Hampshire state statutes and federal law both uphold this constitutional guarantee, ensuring that citizens can freely petition their government on matters ranging from local concerns to broader policy issues. This right is a cornerstone of democratic engagement, allowing for open dialogue between the government and the governed, and is a critical mechanism for holding the government accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.