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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News
Massachusetts Families File Appeal to Supreme Court Challenging Unconstitutional Conditions for Special Education Services
BOSTON—Can the government withhold aid from children because of their parents’ exercise of a constitutional right? That’s the question two Massachusetts families are asking the United States Supreme Court to address…
Supreme Court Takes Up Alaska Bush Pilot’s Fight to Save His Plane From Forfeiture Over a Six-Pack of Beer
For more than a decade, the state of Alaska has been trying to permanently forfeit Ken Jouppi’s $95,000 airplane after he transported a passenger carrying a six-pack of beer. Today, the…
Victory for Small San Diego Business! Federal Appeals Court Rules Against Ruinous Financial Surveillance of California Money Services Businesses
SAN DIEGO—San Diego small business owner Esperanza Gomez can continue to operate her money services business free of ruinous financial surveillance after a federal appeals court ruled today in her…
Public Interest Law Firm Warns PA Lawmakers Against Regulating Speech
This week, the Institute for Justice (IJ) warned Pennsylvania lawmakers that attempting to regulate how the term “state fair” is used would violate residents’ First Amendment rights.
Long Island Electrician Injured at Airport Teams Up with Public Interest Law Firm to Hold the Government Accountable
NEW YORK—In his first week on the job at Long Island MacArthur Airport, Gino Fiermonte was shocked and seriously injured. According to Gino, the accident happened because a Federal Aviation Administration…
Victory! South Milwaukee Lets Backyard Skeletons Rest in Peace
South Milwaukee will not be sending Sean and Laura Oster’s decorative skeletons to an untimely grave after the Institute for Justice (IJ) sent a letter informing them that any such action would be a major First Amendment violation.
Physical Therapist Files Legal Challenge Against Leavenworth, Wa. for the Right to Run a Small In-home Practice
For more than 15 years, licensed physical therapist Nicole Bulow has helped people get back to the lives they love, guiding active adults through injury recovery, supporting women during pregnancy and…
South Milwaukee Orders Residents to Take Down Whimsical Skeleton Display, a Violation of Their First Amendment Rights
Sean and Laura Oster have a bone to pick with South Milwaukee.
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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