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.
News
Santa Clara Winery Sues to End Unconstitutional Zoning Code Fines
Santa Clara County, CA—Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) filed a new civil rights lawsuit against Santa Clara County on behalf of Michael and Kellie Ballard, owners of the Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the county’s imposition of excessive daily fines and enforcement of rigid zoning laws. The fines, now totaling more than $120,000, were imposed after the Ballards allowed their long-time vineyard manager, Marcelino Martinez, to live in an RV on their 60-acre property. Despite causing no harm, the county deemed it a zoning violation and…
What We’ve Done
IJ is the national civil liberties law firm that represents everyday people—free of charge—when the government violates their most important constitutional rights.
We focus on the areas of the law that provide the foundation for a free society, and we win nearly three out of every four cases we file despite the challenges inherent in litigating against the government.
75% Success Rate
IJ has a nearly 75% success rate
through litigation and legislation.
We Work Nationwide
IJ litigates nationwide. We are currently litigating 98 cases in 36 states and Washington, D.C.
10 Supreme Court Wins
IJ has litigated 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 2002, including 10 victories.
$21M Seized Assets Returned
IJ has filed over 50 cases to defend private property rights, including the infamous U.S. Supreme Court decision of Kelo v. New London.
Over 20,000 Homes and Businesses Saved
IJ has saved over 20,000 homes and businesses from eminent domain abuse.
Over 200 Legislative Reforms
IJ has curtailed government abuse and expanded individual liberty through over 200 legislative reforms.
What We Fight For
IJ’s work targets the core freedoms that form the foundation of a free society: the rights to own and enjoy property, speak freely, earn a living, and have a meaningful choice in your children’s education. We have litigated hundreds of cases on behalf of thousands of individuals under those four pillars, and Americans are measurably freer in each area as a direct result of our work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who We Fight For
IJ litigates to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans. We fight to hold government officials accountable when they violate constitutional rights and to prevent governments at all levels from bending the rules to expand their power or advance illegitimate ends.
Support IJ client Jerry Johnson and others like him by making a gift
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.
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Short Circuit 340 | No Way to Run a Railroad
An extremely sad case, especially for man’s best friend (dog-lover discretion is advised!), and a happy case for property rights. First, the Center for Judicial […]
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