Institute for Justice
@ij.org
For 30 years, the Institute for Justice has come to the aid of real people fighting outrageous government abuse.
Today we are grateful for IJ's courageous clients who stand up for the rights of all Americans, our dedicated staff who defend liberty in the courts and beyond, and our generous supporters who make this work possible.
From your friends at IJ, we wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛
From your friends at IJ, we wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛
November 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Today we are grateful for IJ's courageous clients who stand up for the rights of all Americans, our dedicated staff who defend liberty in the courts and beyond, and our generous supporters who make this work possible.
From your friends at IJ, we wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛
From your friends at IJ, we wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛
Cities are using high-speed cameras to track where millions of drivers go—often with no warrant and no limits.
But what does this mean for your rights?
RSVP now: https://ij.org/event/the-open-road-and-the-watchful-state-automatic-license-plate-readers-and-the-fight-for-fourth-amendment-privacy/
But what does this mean for your rights?
RSVP now: https://ij.org/event/the-open-road-and-the-watchful-state-automatic-license-plate-readers-and-the-fight-for-fourth-amendment-privacy/
November 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Cities are using high-speed cameras to track where millions of drivers go—often with no warrant and no limits.
But what does this mean for your rights?
RSVP now: https://ij.org/event/the-open-road-and-the-watchful-state-automatic-license-plate-readers-and-the-fight-for-fourth-amendment-privacy/
But what does this mean for your rights?
RSVP now: https://ij.org/event/the-open-road-and-the-watchful-state-automatic-license-plate-readers-and-the-fight-for-fourth-amendment-privacy/
Backyard Swim Lessons Now Illegal in This City
Read more here:
https://ij.org/case/columbia-south-carolina-home-swim-lessons/
Read more here:
https://ij.org/case/columbia-south-carolina-home-swim-lessons/
November 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Backyard Swim Lessons Now Illegal in This City
Read more here:
https://ij.org/case/columbia-south-carolina-home-swim-lessons/
Read more here:
https://ij.org/case/columbia-south-carolina-home-swim-lessons/
Victory! Court Blocks Land Grab In Historically Black Community
More here: https://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-rules-in-favor-of-historically-black-community-of-freeport-texas-to-keep-their-land-in-battle-with-port-and-eminent-domain/
More here: https://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-rules-in-favor-of-historically-black-community-of-freeport-texas-to-keep-their-land-in-battle-with-port-and-eminent-domain/
October 27, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Victory! Court Blocks Land Grab In Historically Black Community
More here: https://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-rules-in-favor-of-historically-black-community-of-freeport-texas-to-keep-their-land-in-battle-with-port-and-eminent-domain/
More here: https://ij.org/press-release/victory-court-rules-in-favor-of-historically-black-community-of-freeport-texas-to-keep-their-land-in-battle-with-port-and-eminent-domain/
George Retes on His 3 Day ICE Detention
October 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM
George Retes on His 3 Day ICE Detention
Immunity for Arresting the Wrong Woman? Court Says NO!
Learn more about this case here: https://ij.org/case/florida-mistaken-identity-arrest/
Learn more about this case here: https://ij.org/case/florida-mistaken-identity-arrest/
October 7, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Immunity for Arresting the Wrong Woman? Court Says NO!
Learn more about this case here: https://ij.org/case/florida-mistaken-identity-arrest/
Learn more about this case here: https://ij.org/case/florida-mistaken-identity-arrest/
🚨 New Case Alert 🚨
Leo Garcia Venegas is an American citizen and construction worker in south Alabama.
Even though he has done nothing suspicious and is working on private property, Leo has been repeatedly detained (once violently) by federal officers enforcing immigration laws.
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Leo Garcia Venegas is an American citizen and construction worker in south Alabama.
Even though he has done nothing suspicious and is working on private property, Leo has been repeatedly detained (once violently) by federal officers enforcing immigration laws.
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September 30, 2025 at 6:21 PM
🚨 New Case Alert 🚨
Leo Garcia Venegas is an American citizen and construction worker in south Alabama.
Even though he has done nothing suspicious and is working on private property, Leo has been repeatedly detained (once violently) by federal officers enforcing immigration laws.
🧵
Leo Garcia Venegas is an American citizen and construction worker in south Alabama.
Even though he has done nothing suspicious and is working on private property, Leo has been repeatedly detained (once violently) by federal officers enforcing immigration laws.
🧵
Army Vet Sues DEA to Return His $8500 (He Won!)
September 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Army Vet Sues DEA to Return His $8500 (He Won!)
“If the government can use eminent domain just based on the hope it comes up with a plan in the future, no one’s property is safe.
"Fortunately for the Marshalls—and for all of us—the Constitution demands more,” said IJ Senior Attorney Jeffrey Redfern.
Learn more here: ij.org/case/freepor...
"Fortunately for the Marshalls—and for all of us—the Constitution demands more,” said IJ Senior Attorney Jeffrey Redfern.
Learn more here: ij.org/case/freepor...
September 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
“If the government can use eminent domain just based on the hope it comes up with a plan in the future, no one’s property is safe.
"Fortunately for the Marshalls—and for all of us—the Constitution demands more,” said IJ Senior Attorney Jeffrey Redfern.
Learn more here: ij.org/case/freepor...
"Fortunately for the Marshalls—and for all of us—the Constitution demands more,” said IJ Senior Attorney Jeffrey Redfern.
Learn more here: ij.org/case/freepor...
Victory in Freeport, Texas!
Last week, the Texas 14th Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by the Port of Freeport to use #EminentDomain to seize land from a group of property owners in Freeport’s historically Black community.
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Last week, the Texas 14th Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by the Port of Freeport to use #EminentDomain to seize land from a group of property owners in Freeport’s historically Black community.
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September 25, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Victory in Freeport, Texas!
Last week, the Texas 14th Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by the Port of Freeport to use #EminentDomain to seize land from a group of property owners in Freeport’s historically Black community.
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Last week, the Texas 14th Court of Appeals rejected an attempt by the Port of Freeport to use #EminentDomain to seize land from a group of property owners in Freeport’s historically Black community.
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VICTORY: Officers Denied #QualifiedImmunity for Arresting and Jailing Woman at Christmas
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September 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
VICTORY: Officers Denied #QualifiedImmunity for Arresting and Jailing Woman at Christmas
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U.S Marshals put Penny McCarthy through 2 days of hell because of their reckless investigation.
Now Penny has teamed up with the IJ to hold the officers and the U.S. government accountable and to guard against this nightmare happening to someone else.
More here: ij.org/case/arizona...
Now Penny has teamed up with the IJ to hold the officers and the U.S. government accountable and to guard against this nightmare happening to someone else.
More here: ij.org/case/arizona...
July 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
U.S Marshals put Penny McCarthy through 2 days of hell because of their reckless investigation.
Now Penny has teamed up with the IJ to hold the officers and the U.S. government accountable and to guard against this nightmare happening to someone else.
More here: ij.org/case/arizona...
Now Penny has teamed up with the IJ to hold the officers and the U.S. government accountable and to guard against this nightmare happening to someone else.
More here: ij.org/case/arizona...
VICTORY!!! Supreme Court Sides with Family in Wrong House Raid Case
In April, the Court heard argument in Martin v. United States.
Today we won!
ij.org/press-releas...
#WrongHouseRaid #MartinVUS #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt
In April, the Court heard argument in Martin v. United States.
Today we won!
ij.org/press-releas...
#WrongHouseRaid #MartinVUS #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt
June 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
VICTORY!!! Supreme Court Sides with Family in Wrong House Raid Case
In April, the Court heard argument in Martin v. United States.
Today we won!
ij.org/press-releas...
#WrongHouseRaid #MartinVUS #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt
In April, the Court heard argument in Martin v. United States.
Today we won!
ij.org/press-releas...
#WrongHouseRaid #MartinVUS #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt
In 2021, mechanic Oz Sepulveda sued the city of Pasadena over a law that required him to have 28 parking spots that wouldn't fit on his property.
In 2022, the city settled & agreed to let him open without the parking spots.
Today, they still haven't #LetOzOpen.
Learn more: ij.org/case/texas-m...
In 2022, the city settled & agreed to let him open without the parking spots.
Today, they still haven't #LetOzOpen.
Learn more: ij.org/case/texas-m...
March 31, 2025 at 7:05 PM
In 2021, mechanic Oz Sepulveda sued the city of Pasadena over a law that required him to have 28 parking spots that wouldn't fit on his property.
In 2022, the city settled & agreed to let him open without the parking spots.
Today, they still haven't #LetOzOpen.
Learn more: ij.org/case/texas-m...
In 2022, the city settled & agreed to let him open without the parking spots.
Today, they still haven't #LetOzOpen.
Learn more: ij.org/case/texas-m...
FBI Stormed Wrong House—Now SCOTUS to Weigh In
March 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
FBI Stormed Wrong House—Now SCOTUS to Weigh In
Trial starts today!
After several delays, IJ's #FirstAmendment case seeking to protect a New Hampshire bakery's donut mural from the town's unconstitutional sign code is going to trial.
After several delays, IJ's #FirstAmendment case seeking to protect a New Hampshire bakery's donut mural from the town's unconstitutional sign code is going to trial.
February 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Trial starts today!
After several delays, IJ's #FirstAmendment case seeking to protect a New Hampshire bakery's donut mural from the town's unconstitutional sign code is going to trial.
After several delays, IJ's #FirstAmendment case seeking to protect a New Hampshire bakery's donut mural from the town's unconstitutional sign code is going to trial.
You're invited to a FREE film screening of #FreedomHair!
Join us Thursday in New Orleans to watch the film and hear from the amazing woman behind the movie, Melony Armstrong.
Space is limited, get your free tickets now: iam.ij.org/FHNOLA
Join us Thursday in New Orleans to watch the film and hear from the amazing woman behind the movie, Melony Armstrong.
Space is limited, get your free tickets now: iam.ij.org/FHNOLA
February 11, 2025 at 7:50 PM
You're invited to a FREE film screening of #FreedomHair!
Join us Thursday in New Orleans to watch the film and hear from the amazing woman behind the movie, Melony Armstrong.
Space is limited, get your free tickets now: iam.ij.org/FHNOLA
Join us Thursday in New Orleans to watch the film and hear from the amazing woman behind the movie, Melony Armstrong.
Space is limited, get your free tickets now: iam.ij.org/FHNOLA
Barbers and hairstylists spend thousands of dollars and years of their lives to get licenses, but it turns out that strict licensing does not improve health and safety outcomes for the public.
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January 21, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Barbers and hairstylists spend thousands of dollars and years of their lives to get licenses, but it turns out that strict licensing does not improve health and safety outcomes for the public.
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IJ is now accepting applications for the Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship!
This paid summer internship is perfect for #undergrad students who are excited to make a real-world impact through public interest law.
Apply Now! instituteforjustice.applytojob.com/apply/xxMVgl...
This paid summer internship is perfect for #undergrad students who are excited to make a real-world impact through public interest law.
Apply Now! instituteforjustice.applytojob.com/apply/xxMVgl...
January 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
IJ is now accepting applications for the Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship!
This paid summer internship is perfect for #undergrad students who are excited to make a real-world impact through public interest law.
Apply Now! instituteforjustice.applytojob.com/apply/xxMVgl...
This paid summer internship is perfect for #undergrad students who are excited to make a real-world impact through public interest law.
Apply Now! instituteforjustice.applytojob.com/apply/xxMVgl...
VICTORY!
Wilmington, Delaware’s towing and impound practices were among the most predatory in the nation.
However, after IJ teamed up with city residents to file a lawsuit, the city decided to work with IJ to end the system with one that is a model of fairness.
🧵
Wilmington, Delaware’s towing and impound practices were among the most predatory in the nation.
However, after IJ teamed up with city residents to file a lawsuit, the city decided to work with IJ to end the system with one that is a model of fairness.
🧵
December 17, 2024 at 6:07 PM
VICTORY!
Wilmington, Delaware’s towing and impound practices were among the most predatory in the nation.
However, after IJ teamed up with city residents to file a lawsuit, the city decided to work with IJ to end the system with one that is a model of fairness.
🧵
Wilmington, Delaware’s towing and impound practices were among the most predatory in the nation.
However, after IJ teamed up with city residents to file a lawsuit, the city decided to work with IJ to end the system with one that is a model of fairness.
🧵
Attention #LawStudents local to the Florida area 📣
This special happy hour is the perfect chance to connect with peers in the area, meet our team & discover how you can get involved with upcoming IJ opportunities!
RSVP here:
forms.office.com/pages/respon...
This special happy hour is the perfect chance to connect with peers in the area, meet our team & discover how you can get involved with upcoming IJ opportunities!
RSVP here:
forms.office.com/pages/respon...
December 12, 2024 at 9:45 PM
Attention #LawStudents local to the Florida area 📣
This special happy hour is the perfect chance to connect with peers in the area, meet our team & discover how you can get involved with upcoming IJ opportunities!
RSVP here:
forms.office.com/pages/respon...
This special happy hour is the perfect chance to connect with peers in the area, meet our team & discover how you can get involved with upcoming IJ opportunities!
RSVP here:
forms.office.com/pages/respon...
Now, IJ's new billboard reminds Brentwood officials that this fight is far from over.
Learn more about this case here: ij.org/case/brentwo...
Learn more about this case here: ij.org/case/brentwo...
December 10, 2024 at 5:27 PM
Now, IJ's new billboard reminds Brentwood officials that this fight is far from over.
Learn more about this case here: ij.org/case/brentwo...
Learn more about this case here: ij.org/case/brentwo...
When the government calls well-maintained businesses “blight,” we call them out.
The family-owned businesses in Manchester Corridor of Brentwood, Missouri are institutions—with some being founded over 35 years ago.
But the city wants to replace them with *favored* businesses.
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#EminentDomain
The family-owned businesses in Manchester Corridor of Brentwood, Missouri are institutions—with some being founded over 35 years ago.
But the city wants to replace them with *favored* businesses.
🧵
#EminentDomain
December 10, 2024 at 5:27 PM
When the government calls well-maintained businesses “blight,” we call them out.
The family-owned businesses in Manchester Corridor of Brentwood, Missouri are institutions—with some being founded over 35 years ago.
But the city wants to replace them with *favored* businesses.
🧵
#EminentDomain
The family-owned businesses in Manchester Corridor of Brentwood, Missouri are institutions—with some being founded over 35 years ago.
But the city wants to replace them with *favored* businesses.
🧵
#EminentDomain
Vicki Baker, represented by IJ, was asking #SCOTUS to make it clear that victims of such destruction are entitled to compensation under the #5thAmendment.
ij.org/case/texas-s...
ij.org/case/texas-s...
November 25, 2024 at 5:44 PM
Vicki Baker, represented by IJ, was asking #SCOTUS to make it clear that victims of such destruction are entitled to compensation under the #5thAmendment.
ij.org/case/texas-s...
ij.org/case/texas-s...
Case Update:
Today, the #SupremeCourt decided not to hear #BakerVMcKinney—a case brought by an innocent woman seeking compensation after a SWAT team destroyed her home while pursuing a fugitive in 2020.
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Today, the #SupremeCourt decided not to hear #BakerVMcKinney—a case brought by an innocent woman seeking compensation after a SWAT team destroyed her home while pursuing a fugitive in 2020.
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November 25, 2024 at 5:44 PM
Case Update:
Today, the #SupremeCourt decided not to hear #BakerVMcKinney—a case brought by an innocent woman seeking compensation after a SWAT team destroyed her home while pursuing a fugitive in 2020.
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Today, the #SupremeCourt decided not to hear #BakerVMcKinney—a case brought by an innocent woman seeking compensation after a SWAT team destroyed her home while pursuing a fugitive in 2020.
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