Featured Cases

Court Case
Jan 08, 2026
A demonstrator looks up at her sign (which reads "Citizenship is a Birthright") during a rally outside the Supreme court building demanding the court uphold the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  • Immigrants' Rights

Barbara v. Trump – Class Action to Protect Birthright Citizenship

We're suing the Trump administration for trying to end birthright citizenship, a core American principle that is outlined in the plain language of the 14th Amendment.
Court Case
Jan 08, 2026
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  • Criminal Legal Reform

Robbins v. State of Maine – Protecting the Right to Counsel

We're suing the state for failing to provide effective legal assistance to people who cannot afford their own attorney – just as the Sixth Amendment demands. A person’s freedom should never depend on their wealth.
Court Case
Dec 01, 2025
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  • Disability Rights|
  • +1 Issue

United States v. Maine – Protecting Youth Disability Rights

In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the State of Maine for violating young people's rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

All Cases

50 Court Cases
Court Case
Jul 27, 2020
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  • Government Transparency

Keeping Government Transparent – Human Rights Defense Center v. Municipal Risk Pool

In a landmark decision, Maine’s highest court ruled that a government entity acted in bad faith when it withheld public documents. This ruling shows that Maine’s open records laws have teeth, and that when the government illegally denies access to public documents, it will pay the price.
Court Case
May 21, 2020
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Denbow v. Liberty

Court Case
Apr 15, 2020
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Denbow v. State

The ACLU of Maine filed a petition for post-conviction review on behalf of Joseph Denbow. The petition challenges Mr. Denbow's prison sentence which, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, risks becoming a death sentence.
Court Case
Oct 14, 2019
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  • Freedom of Expression|
  • +1 Issue

Norris v. Cape Elizabeth School District, et al.

Court Case
Aug 27, 2019
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  • Freedom of Expression|
  • +1 Issue

Casey et al. v. Yarmouth

Court Case
Jul 31, 2019
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  • Criminal Legal Reform

Reining In Unchecked Police Power – Gaul v. York County, et al.

We're suing to protect Maine's people from unreasonable warrantless arrests after a York County man was detained, arrested, and strip searched for a minor, nonviolent misdemeanor charge – all without a warrant or any public safety or flight risk.
Court Case
Nov 05, 2018
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  • Criminal Legal Reform

Smith v. Aroostook County

Court Case
Jul 26, 2018
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  • Criminal Legal Reform

Smith v. Fitzpatrick, et al.

Court Case
Jun 06, 2018
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  • Privacy

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