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

Housing Abundance and Affordability | Private Property | Zoning Justice Project
Minnesota ADU
Blaine, Minnesota
Alex and Lynda Pepin believe in using what they have to help others. So when their hometown—Blaine, Minnesota—recently passed a law allowing homeowners to build backyard homes (known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs), they saw an opportunity to help. Motivated by their faith and years of work with local nonprofits, the Pepins decided to build an ADU behind their…
Wyoming School Choice
CHEYENNE — Today, on behalf of Wyoming families, the Partnership for Educational Choice, a joint project of EdChoice and the Institute for Justice, filed a motion to intervene as defendants in the lawsuit brought…

Eminent Domain | Private Property
James Island Eminent Domain
Imagine a developer who thoughtfully deliberates about what type of business would be best suited for an area. He meets with residents to address their concerns. He painstakingly implements every suggestion, even if he doesn’t…

Eminent Domain | Private Property
Perth Amboy, NJ Blight
Honey Meerzon and Luis Romero came from different backgrounds but have many things in common. Their parents both fled oppressive government regimes in search of a better life for their children. They have both worked…