Cases

At any given time, the ACLU of RI is involved in dozens of legal battles on behalf of civil liberties in the Ocean State. Below is a list of many the cases we have worked on. For our annual case dockets, click here.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 23, 1976

McCarthy v. Noel I

Voting Rights
Status: Closed

Federal court struck down state law requiring independent candidates for President to submit nominating petitions before the major parties were required to do so.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 17, 1976

Toward a Gayer Bicentennial Committee v. R.I. Bicentennial Commission

LGBTQ+ Rights
Status: Closed

Successful court suit on behalf of a group arbitrarily denied official endorsement of a gay pride parade as a bicentennial event.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Mar 27, 1975

Reilly v. Noel

First Amendment
Status: Closed

Successful challenge in federal court to attempt by Governor to prohibit protesters at the State House from peacefully singing.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Mar 27, 1975

Gluckman v. Sheehan

Students’ Rights
Status: Closed

Successful federal suit on behalf of a student punished for remaining quietly seated while the Pledge of Allegiance was recited in class.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 18, 1975

Driver v. Helms

First Amendment
Status: Closed

Class action suit against various officials of the CIA, FBI and Post Office for opening of first-class mail to foreign countries without a court-authorized warrant.

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Wooden gavel
Wooden gavel
Jan 17, 1975

Fortin v. Darlington Little League

Gender Equality
Status: Closed

Favorable appeals court decision finding unconstitutional a Little League rule which barred girls from playing in the League.

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