Fighting for Justice. Defending Freedom.
IJ is a nonprofit, public interest law firm that represents everyday people — free of charge — when the government violates their most important constitutional rights. We focus on the areas of law that provide the foundation for a free society, and we win nearly three out of every four cases we file.
70%
Win Rate
Nearly 3 out of 4 cases won against the government
400+
Cases Filed
Across 50 states
35
Years
Since 1991
2,000+
Properties Saved
From government abuse
11
SCOTUS Wins
13 cases argued
$21M+
Assets Returned
Via forfeiture fights
300+
Legislative Reforms
To protect individual rights
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Our Pillars and Projects
IJ’s work targets the core freedoms that form the foundation of a free society: the right to own and enjoy property, speak freely, earn a living, and to be subject to fair and accountable laws and regulations. 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.
We build on this work through six projects that target major injustices in America today.
Our Pillars
Economic Liberty
IJ believes that all people have the right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice without arbitrary, unnecessary, or protectionist government interference.
Private Property
The government has extraordinary power to take, regulate, and destroy private property — and too often it abuses that power. IJ fights back.
First Amendment
IJ fights for the right to speak freely about the issues that matter most to ordinary people and to defend the free flow of information essential to democratic government and free enterprise.
Rule of Law
IJ fights for individual freedom when it’s threatened by unchecked abuse of government power.
Our Projects
Project on Immunity and Accountability
IJ combats legal doctrines that stand in the way of meaningful accountability for government mistakes and misconduct.
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.
Education Entrepreneurship
IJ’s Education Entrepreneurship Project focuses on reducing common barriers to innovation in education—including licensing, zoning, and speech regulations—all issues that IJ litigates.
Recent Updates
Five South Side Businesses Selected for Finals in Pitch Showcase
CHICAGO—Five South Side businesses will compete on October 15 in the finals of the 13th annual South Side Pitch, hosted by the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship. The competition…
Victory! Court Rejects Qualified Immunity in Louisiana Motorists’ Case, Allowing Fourth Amendment Claims of an Unconstitutional Traffic Stop to Continue
NEW OLREANS—For nearly four years, Mario Rosales and Gracie Lasyone have pursued justice over an unconstitutional traffic stop and roadside questioning by two Alexandria, Louisiana, police officers. Last year, Mario and…
How Flock is trying to take credit for the post-pandemic crime drop
Boosters of automated license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance make grand claims about the capabilities of their technology. Flock Safety, for instance, says its mission is to “eliminate…
Illinois Town Threatens to Destroy Award-Winning Garden, Violating State’s Right-to-Garden Law
The city of Danville is threatening to uproot an award-winning neighborhood garden, in violation of state law.
Federal Court Orders DHS to Stop Detaining People with Valid Identification and Halts Warrantless Construction Site Raids
MOBILE, Ala.—A federal judge in Alabama ordered immigration officers to stop warrantless raids of construction sites, to stop detaining construction workers without a reason to suspect that a specific individual…
Do Flock cameras actually reduce crime? The jury is still out.
A recent study on how Flock cameras influence crime rates has limitations that prevent firm conclusions from being drawn.
Clayton County Grants License to Salon Entrepreneur Who Brought Constitutional Lawsuit
Clayton County, Ga.—Over a year after Khalilah Few brought a lawsuit against Clayton County for unconstitutionally denying her a license to open a hair salon, the county has finally granted her…
Connecticut Couple Files Appeal with Zoning Board After Town Doubles Down in Hiking Dispute
ROXBURY, Conn.—Yesterday, Roxbury couple Charles and Eli Copley filed an appeal with the town’s zoning board of appeals after Roxbury officials recently…
Watch the Stories Behind the Cases
Hear directly from the people at the center of important legal fights, as we stand up for the rights of all Americans.
