About the Institute for Justice
IJ is a nonprofit, public interest law firm. Our mission is to end widespread abuses of government power and secure the constitutional rights that allow all Americans to pursue their dreams.
featured report
The third edition of IJ’s landmark License to Work report is here! It finds that for lower-income Americans, licensing continues to be widespread, burdensome and—frequently—irrational. It also provides a blueprint for meaningful licensing reform:
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Your tax-deductible contribution helps IJ fight for ordinary people who want to pursue their American Dream but find the government standing in their way. We stand with our clients no matter how long their cases take—and we win nearly 75% of the time.
Our Issue Areas
Our Projects
Project on Immunity and Accountability
Qualified immunity and other legal doctrines let government workers violate constitutional rights with impunity. IJ works to eliminate these barriers to accountability.
IJ’s Project on the 4th Amendment
Every American is now at risk of government searches, seizures, and surveillance. IJ defends vital rights to privacy and security.
Civil Forfeiture
Unlike criminal forfeiture, which takes property from convicted criminals, civil forfeiture does not require property owners to be convicted of a crime—or even charged with one—to permanently lose their cash, cars, businesses or even their homes.
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.