The Institute for Justice litigates to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans. IJ defends ordinary people who want to earn an honest living, own and enjoy their property, speak freely, and give their children a good education but find that the government is standing in their way.
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.
IJ wins three out of four cases through outright courtroom victories or legislative change prompted by our lawsuits.
Featured Cases
Devillier Cert Petition
“If you break it, you buy it” is a simple rule that anyone who has shopped at a Pottery Barn probably already knows. It means that if you cause damage to someone else’s property, you…
First Amendment
Detroit Retaliation
Four years ago, Robert Reeves’ car was seized by police in Detroit using civil forfeiture. Although he was never charged with a crime, police attempted to use civil forfeiture to seize and keep Robert’s 1991…
Civil Forfeiture | Private Property
Class Action Challenges FBI’s “Take Now, Explain Never” Forfeitures
Linda Martin’s home savings were seized by the FBI. She received a confusing forfeiture notice that didn’t clearly say what she did wrong for the government to want to take her money.
First Amendment | Sign Codes
High school art class painted donut mural for bakery, town demands their work be painted over
Leavitt’s Country Bakery Owner Sean Young filed a federal lawsuit against the town of Conway, after town officials demanded he paint over a mural that was created by local high school students last summer.
Economic Liberty | Transportation
IJ Breaks Up Denver's 50-Year-Old Taxi Monopoly
Educational Choice
Chicago and Los Angeles School Choice Cases
Educational Choice
Chicago and Los Angeles School Choice Cases
Cosmetology | Economic Liberty | Hair Braiding | Occupational Licensing