Issues

Criminal Justice & Incarceration

The rights guaranteed to the accused, defendants, offenders and prisoners are fundamental political rights that protect all Americans from governmental abuse of power.

Discrimination

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Free Speech

"Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Immigrants' Rights

Upholding the rights of immigrants is important to us all. The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every "person" and are not limited to citizens.

LGBTQ Rights

The fight for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is a core civil liberties issue; it’s not about “special rights,” but simply the right of everyone in this country to be included in the promises and guarantees of the constitution.

Police Practices

Our fear of violent street crime should not blind us to the profound evil that is perpetrated when those sworn to uphold and enforce the law themselves become lawbreakers.

— John A. Powell, former ACLU National Legal Director