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 California, 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 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 fundamental nature of this right, considering it one of the core liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. California residents can exercise this right by filing lawsuits, participating in administrative hearings, or communicating with elected officials and government agencies to address their concerns. This right is applicable at both the federal and state levels, ensuring that citizens can engage with their government to seek remedies for grievances.