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Mar 19, 2021

Groups Urge RI Senate to Reject Proposal that Would Deter Public Testimony

Government Transparency

In their letter, the organizations argue that this would have a chilling effect on free speech and the right to petition the government, undermining an important public forum and a fundamental principle of...

In their letter, the organizations argue that this would have a chilling effect on free speech and the right to petition the government, undermining an important public forum and a fundamental principle of...

Feb 12, 2021

Court Declares Ban on "Offensive" Vanity Plates is Unconstitutional

First Amendment
The judgment comes in a lawsuit filed in March 2020 on behalf of Sean Carroll, an environmentally conscious Tesla owner who was ordered by the DMV to turn in his license plate “FKGAS” or else have his car...
The judgment comes in a lawsuit filed in March 2020 on behalf of Sean Carroll, an environmentally conscious Tesla owner who was ordered by the DMV to turn in his license plate “FKGAS” or else have his car...
Feb 9, 2021

Court Rules that Johnston Police Department Violated Free Speech Rights of Former Detective

First Amendment
In an important free speech decision, a U.S. District Judge has ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady.
In an important free speech decision, a U.S. District Judge has ruled that Johnston Police violated the First Amendment rights of retired Detective James Brady.
Jan 29, 2021

ACLU Files Open Records Lawsuit Against Attorney General on Behalf of Roger Williams Law Student

Government Transparency
We filed an open records lawsuit against the state Attorney General's office, challenging a $225 fee they charged a law school student to provide her copies of reports that state law requires they...
We filed an open records lawsuit against the state Attorney General's office, challenging a $225 fee they charged a law school student to provide her copies of reports that state law requires they...
Jan 25, 2021

ACLU Files Brief in US Supreme Court in Major “Search & Seizure” Case from RI

Due Process
An unfavorable ruling in the case could “give police free rein to enter the home without probable cause or a warrant, whenever they think it is ‘reasonable’ to do so.”
An unfavorable ruling in the case could “give police free rein to enter the home without probable cause or a warrant, whenever they think it is ‘reasonable’ to do so.”
Jan 22, 2021

ACLU Sues Town of Portsmouth over Political Sign Ban

First Amendment
We have filed a challenged to a Portsmouth town ordinance banning the posting of political signs on residential, private property.
We have filed a challenged to a Portsmouth town ordinance banning the posting of political signs on residential, private property.
DiPaola Signs
DiPaola Signs