Court Cases

Featured Cases

Court Case
Sep 14, 2025
Yellow background with brown and blue colored images of a house roof, and a mother with her small child walking up to a front door.
  • Economic Justice|
  • +3 Issues

National Alliance to End Homelessness v. Scott Turner, et al.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.  
Court Case
Jul 21, 2025
Logos of RI plaintiffs, RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Blue and brown graphics of a house and a healthcare provider.
  • First Amendment

RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Court Case
Jun 13, 2025
Green background with blue text and text boxes that says “FIRST AMENDMENT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM” and “Smith v. RI Dept. of Corrections”
  • First Amendment

Smith v. RI Department of Corrections

This lawsuit was filed on behalf of three Native Americans at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), and argues that Rhode Island Department of Corrections has refused to accommodate an array of religious practices.

All Cases

360 Court Cases
Court Case
Apr 18, 2025
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  • Due Process

Pasula v. Department of Homeland Security

This class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of international students in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico who had their student status revoked without notice or reason. The lawsuit was filed by four ACLU affiliates and law firm Shaheen & Gordo.
Court Case
Feb 13, 2025
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  • First Amendment

Wilson v. RI Dept. of Corrections

Court Case
Nov 13, 2024
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  • Disability Rights|
  • +1 Issue

J."E."L. v. Charest

Court Case
Oct 23, 2024
Dark brown, red, and blue graphic of a man holding a binder of papers and an envelope with "confidential" stamped across it that has been opened.
  • Criminal Justice Reform|
  • +2 Issues

ACLU of Rhode Island v. Salisbury Jr.

Court Case
Oct 17, 2024
Blackie v City of Woonsocket
  • Criminal Justice Reform

Blackie v. City of Woonsocket

Court Case
Jul 03, 2024
De Los Santos / DePina / McLaren v. Salisbury, Jr
  • Criminal Justice Reform

DePina / De Los Santos / McLaren v. Salisbury, Jr.

Court Case
Feb 15, 2024
Weekapaug Fire District v. Contrata
  • First Amendment

Weekapaug Fire District v. Contrata

In its third skirmish with the Weekapaug Fire District in less than six months, the ACLU of Rhode Island has come to the defense of Westerly resident Caroline Contrata, who has been sued for monetary damages by the District in a high-profile shoreline access case
Court Case
Jan 24, 2024
Pawochawog-Mequinosh v. RI Dept. of Corrections
  • First Amendment

Pawochawog-Mequinosh v. RI Dept. of Corrections

Cooperating attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed a federal lawsuit against DOC officials for refusing to accommodate the religious practices of a Native American prisoner.
Court Case
Dec 29, 2023
Rivera v. Elmwod Realty
  • Economic Justice|
  • +1 Issue

Rivera v. Elmwood Realty

The R.I. Center for Justice and cooperating counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of RI have filed a lawsuit on behalf of four low-income tenants in Pawtucket and West Warwick who have been threatened with eviction for associating with Reclaim RI