Constitutional Auditor

Individuals involved in “First Amendment audits,” a social movement mostly in the United States. These auditors exercise their constitutional rights, especially under the First Amendment, to film and record public officials, government buildings, or employees in public spaces. The purpose is often to test and affirm their right to film in public areas without being stopped or harassed by government employees, thereby holding public entities accountable and promoting transparency.

First Amendment audits typically involve recording encounters with government officials or employees, often without prior notice, to see if those officials respect the auditor’s constitutional rights, particularly the right to record in public. If government employees attempt to stop the recording, tell the auditor to leave a public area, or otherwise interfere, the government entity is said to “fail” the audit.

While these audits are legal and protected under freedom of speech and press, auditors are expected to stay within certain boundaries, such as not trespassing into non-public (private) spaces and not being unreasonably disruptive. These audits can sometimes be confrontational and controversial, as some auditors use provocative tactics to elicit reactions that can be broadcast to the public.

Governments and public agencies often train employees on how to properly respond to First Amendment auditors to avoid violations of constitutional rights while maintaining order and public service effectiveness.

In summary, a constitutional auditor is someone who uses video and photography to test constitutional rights, particularly the First Amendment rights related to free speech and press, by recording public officials or government facilities in public spaces.