Which of the following rights is protected under the First Amendment?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is primarily focused on safeguarding several fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of speech. This amendment protects individuals from government interference with their expression of ideas and opinions, allowing for open discourse and the exchange of concepts, which are vital in a democratic society. The protection of free speech encompasses not just spoken words but also symbolic speech, written communication, and various forms of expression.

The other rights mentioned, while important, are enshrined in different amendments or legal frameworks. The right to bear arms is protected under the Second Amendment, the right to a fair trial is addressed in the Sixth Amendment, and the right to a public education, although recognized as important and generally provided by state law, does not have explicit mention in the Constitution. Thus, among the options provided, the protection of free speech under the First Amendment is the most accurate representation of the rights it safeguards.