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.
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive IJ’s biweekly digital magazine, Liberty & Law, along with breaking updates about our fight to protect the rights of all Americans.
News
Pasadena Mechanic Remains Unable to Use Property 1,000 Days After City Agreed He Could Open; Attorneys Call on City to Keep Its Word
PASADENA, Texas—Today marks 1,000 days since the city of Pasadena approved a settlement in a lawsuit brought by mechanic Oz Sepulveda and his attorneys from the Institute for Justice (IJ). In the settlement agreement, the city agreed to let Oz open his mechanic shop on Shaver Street without adding 23 additional parking spots that he could not afford, did not need, and would not physically fit on the property. However, the city went back on its word almost immediately and now, 1,000 days later, it still…
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.
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.
Our Latest Videos



Our Podcasts
Latest Episode
Short Circuit 362 | Boil the Frog to Tear Down the House

Two cases, from the Fourth and Sixth Circuits, came out within just a few days of each other, and each was about a city tearing […]
Listen Now