What does ACLU fight for?

Asked by: Jaunita Osinski  |  Last update: March 7, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

With more than 1.1 million members, 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the nation, the ACLU of today continues to fight government abuse and to vigorously defend individual freedoms including speech and religion, a woman's right to choose, the right to due process, citizens' ...

What kind of cases does the ACLU take on?

Over the years, we've handled hundreds of cases covering the whole range of civil rights and civil liberties, leading to concrete changes in such areas as freedom of speech and association, racial justice, police practices, LGBT rights, government employees' rights, prisoners' rights, children's rights, immigration ...

What does the ACLU fight against?

About the ACLU | American Civil Liberties Union. Defend the rights of all people nationwide. With immigrant rights, trans justice, reproductive freedom, and more at risk, we're in courts and communities across the country to protect everyone's rights — and we need you with us.

What kind of work does the ACLU do?

Although the ACLU is best known for litigation, we also strive to safeguard people's rights through legislative work and other policy advocacy, community organizing, coalition building, technical assistance to other attorneys and advocates, community education to help people understand and assert their rights, and ...

What was the ACLU known for?

The ACLU SoCal's history of advocating for the rights of racial and ethnic minorities in California is as long as the history of the affiliate, and its motto, first espoused in 1926, has always been that "a threat to any minority is a threat to all minorities." In 1945, the ACLU SoCal successfully litigated against ...

ACLU Emergency Town Hall: Our Fight for Abortion Access

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How does the ACLU make money?

The ACLU is supported by dues and more than $50 million in contributions annually from individuals and grants from foundations, and receives no government funding. It does not charge its clients.

Why do people join the ACLU?

From defending freedom of speech to protecting reproductive freedom to expanding equal protection under the law, the ACLU has been involved in one landmark Supreme Court case after another. We defend freedom every day all across America in every state.

Is the ACLU a Democrat?

The ACLU was directed by an executive committee and was not particularly democratic or egalitarian.

Who pays for the ACLU?

The ACLU is non-partisan and non-profit. We do not receive any government funding. Our work is supported by member dues as well as contributions and grants from private foundations and individuals. Gifts made to the ACLU directly fund crucial litigation, communications and public education initiatives.

Is ACLU a good organization?

Rating Information. This charity's score is 98%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.

Why is the ACLU so controversial?

Allegations that the ACLU no longer defends the speech rights of those with whom we disagree are unfounded. Since our inception in 1920, we have defended the speech rights of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, religious fundamentalists, anti-LGBTQ individuals, and more.

Does the ACLU support gun rights?

We firmly believe that governments have the authority and duty to enact sensible, non-discriminatory gun regulations to protect public health and safety. The ability to participate in our society free from the fear and intimidation of gun violence is integral to freedom, equality, and democracy.

What rights do the accused have ACLU?

A: The officer must advise you of your constitutional rights to remain silent, to an attorney, and to have an attorney appoint- ed if you cannot afford one. You should exercise all these rights, even if the officers don't tell you about them. Do not tell the police anything except your name.

Does the ACLU help individuals?

For more than one hundred years, ACLU lawyers have been at the center of one history-making court case after another, participating in more Supreme Court cases than any other private organization. With attorneys nationwide, we handle thousands of cases each year on behalf of clients whose rights have been violated.

What famous cases are both civil and criminal?

A good example is the O.J. Simpson trial. Simpson was deemed not guilty in criminal court but found guilty of negligence in civil court.

What are considered civil liberties?

Though the scope of the term differs between countries, civil liberties may include the freedom of conscience, freedom of press, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, the right to security and liberty, freedom of speech, the right to privacy, the right to equal treatment under the law and due ...

What do citizens who give money to the ACLU expect the money to go toward?

By supporting the ACLU financially, individuals contribute to funding legal cases and advocacy efforts that aim to protect civil liberties such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, due process, and equal protection under the law.

Does the ACLU support religious freedom?

Through litigation, advocacy and public education, the ACLU works to defend religious liberty and to ensure that no one is either discriminated against nor denied services because of someone else's religious beliefs.

Does the ACLU pay well?

Average American Civil Liberties Union hourly pay ranges from approximately $15.00 per hour for Legislative Intern to $33.32 per hour for Human Resources Generalist.

What is ACLU ideology?

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends the fundamental rights outlined in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These include the right to freedom of speech and assembly, the right to religious freedom, due process of law, equality before the law and the right to privacy.

Is the ACLU a lobbyist?

The American Civil Liberties Union engages in legislative lobbying. As an organization that is eligible to receive contributions that are tax-deductible by the contributor, federal law limits the extent to which the ACLU Foundation's may engage in lobbying activities.

Which parts of the government does ACLU target?

Since 1920, the ACLU has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court more times than any other private entity. In addition to its state and federal litigation efforts, the ACLU lobbies Congress and works to educate the public on civil liberties issues.

What good has the ACLU done?

The ACLU is a nationwide leader in fighting back against ongoing and persistent attacks on reproductive rights. As the only pro-choice organization with lawyers and advocates on the ground in all 50 states, the ACLU works to ensure access to birth control and abortion for women who often have nowhere else to turn.

What issues does the ACLU oppose?

From opposing the Patriot Act to challenging warrantless spying to challenging the indefinite detention of terrorism suspects without charge or trial, the ACLU is committed to restoring fundamental freedoms lost as a result of policies that expand the government's power to invade privacy, imprison people without due ...

Is ACLU a good charity?

Rating Information

This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence. This overall score is calculated entirely from a single beacon score, weighted as follows: 100% Accountability & Finance.