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For a limited time, when you sign up to donate $22 a month by October 15, you’ll receive our exclusive 2025 IJ Calendar featuring client photos and stories. Get your limited-edition 2025 IJ Calendar!

News

Supreme Court Revives Retaliatory Arrest Case in Major First Amendment Victory

  • Andrew Wimer

WASHINGTON—This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Institute for Justice’s (IJ) petition for certiorari in Murphy v. Schmitt, vacated the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision, and remanded the case back to the lower court for reconsideration in light of IJ’s recent win in Gonzalez v. Trevino. The Eighth Circuit had ruled against Mason Murphy in his lawsuit alleging retaliation for the exercise of his First Amendment rights. “This decision is a huge step forward, not just for Mason Murphy, but for all Americans who have…

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Featured Event

Save Your Seat for the 11th Annual South Side Pitch!

Every year, small businesses across the South Side of Chicago participate in South Side Pitch, sharing stories about their roots, their impact, and their visions for the future. This year the competition will not be live streamed so make sure to save your seat before spots run out!

Learn More About Economic Liberty

Economic Liberty

IJ believes that all people have the right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice without arbitrary, unnecessary, or protectionist government interference.

Learn More About Private Property

Private Property

IJ defends the right of all Americans to own and enjoy their property free from unjust seizures, searches, and fines.

Learn More About First Amendment

First Amendment

IJ fights for the right to speak freely about the issues that matter most to ordinary people and to defend the free flow of information essential to democratic government and free enterprise.

Learn More About Educational Choice

Educational Choice

IJ stands for the idea that every child deserves a chance at a great education and that all parents, regardless of means, should enjoy the freedom to direct their children’s education.

Our Projects

Learn More About Ending Civil Forfeiture

Ending Civil Forfeiture

Under civil forfeiture, people can permanently lose their property without a criminal conviction or even charges. This is one of the gravest abuses of power in the country today, and IJ aims to put a stop to it.

Learn More About Food Freedom

Food Freedom

All individuals have the right to produce, advertise, sell, procure, and consume the foods of their choice. IJ ensures they can use these rights to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Learn More About Zoning Justice

Zoning Justice

Arbitrary and abusive zoning practices make our society less free and less prosperous. IJ stands up for all Americans’ right to use their property peacefully and productively, without undue government interference.

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Our Podcasts

Latest Episode

Short Circuit 344 | Can a Jury Only Go Up to Eleven?

“Twelve” isn’t just another word for a dozen or the original number of Apostles. It’s how many jurors sit on a criminal jury. Well, except […]

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