Issues
Fighting
for
Justice.
IJ is a nonprofit, public interest law firm. We represent everyday people, free of charge, when the government violates their most important rights. Our mission is to end widespread abuses of government power, and do this through our four core pillars and six projects.
400+
Cases Litigated
4
Core Pillars
6
Core Projects
50
States Reached
Our Issue Areas
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.