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.
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Federal Court Rules Eastern Shore Town, Councilman Violated Constitution When Councilman Cut Pipe Attached to Food Truck
NORFOLK, Va.—Today, a federal court ruled that the town of Parksley, Virginia, and Councilman Henry Nicholson violated the U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment, as well as Virginia law, when Nicholson cut a water pipe running from the Eben-Ezer Food Truck, causing more than a thousand dollars in food spoilage and damages. Eben-Ezer Food Truck owners Theslet Benoir and Clemene Bastien teamed up with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to sue in January 2024, after Nicholson repeatedly harassed them, cut the pipe, and, according to Theslet and Clemene, told them to “go back to your own country.” “I am very happy that this will set an example for all hardworking food truck owners, so government officials won’t mistreat them,” said Clemene.“I am very emotional. I…
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.
70% Success Rate
IJ has a nearly 70% success rate
through litigation and legislation.
We Work Nationwide
IJ litigates nationwide. We are currently litigating 103 cases in 37 states and Washington, D.C.
11 Supreme Court Wins
IJ has litigated 13 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 2002, including 11 victories.
$21M Seized Assets Returned
IJ has filed over 150 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 300 Legislative Reforms
IJ has curtailed government abuse and expanded individual liberty through over 300 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 70% of the time.
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Short Circuit 421 | What’s Your Favorite Circuit?
With a baker’s dozen of circuits it’s hard to pick a favorite. Or is it? We sit down with three lawyers and scholars to ask […]
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