In the Courts

The New York Civil Liberties Union works in the courts as a public-interest law firm, bringing constitutional test cases in state and federal court. The NYCLU's legal program balances enforcement litigation, or cases that enforce previously established standards, and cutting-edge test case litigation, or cases that seek to set new standards. While litigation alone does not represent a complete strategy to preserve and enhance civil liberties, the lawsuits pursued by the NYCLU are important because of the particular wrongs they right, the individuals and groups they protect, and the constitutional doctrines they establish. Our litigation complements our proactive program of public education and advocacy.

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READ ABOUT OUR CASES BELOW:

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 31, 2023

NYCLU v. DOCCS

Status: Filed

The New York Civil Liberties Union, with pro bono counsel from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, filed a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Corrections...

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 19, 2023

Integrate NYC et al v. State of New York et al

Education
Status: Pending

The New York Civil Liberties Union submitted an amicus brief in support of students, parents, teachers, and organizations who allege that the structure of New York City’s school system constitutes racial...

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Dec 15, 2022

NYCLU v. New York State

Due Process and Justice

The New York Civil Liberties Union and the law firms, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP and Felicello Law P.C., sued New York State in Albany County for failing to meet its public defense obligations under the...

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Dec 8, 2022

Justin v. Tingling

Status: Filed

The New York Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Clarick Gueron Reisbaum (CGR) filed a class-action lawsuit in Manhattan challenging the permanent exclusion of people with felony convictions from serving...

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Dec 6, 2022

Renew 81 for All v. New York State Department of Transportation

Racial Justice

The New York Civil Liberties Union moved to file an amicus brief in support of respondents challenging a lawsuit to halt the demolition of a crumbling portion of the I-81 viaduct in Syracuse, New York....

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Oct 17, 2022

NYCLU Amicus Curiae Brief: People of the State of NY v. Lance Rodriguez

Police Accountability

The NYCLU submitted an amicus brief arguing that a lower constitutional standard for police stops of bicycles will permit the police to disproportionately criminalize New Yorkers of color yet again and...

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