The ACLU of Arizona undertakes litigation when doing so is the most effective way to advance a civil liberties concern. We file lawsuits that will have an impact on people’s rights by setting a legal precedent or affecting the policies and actions of public officials. We both provide direct legal representation to people and file amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs addressing civil liberties in cases initiated by others. All of the ACLU’s legal work is on a pro bono basis; we never charge for our legal services. Along with our advocacy, legislative, and public education work, litigation remains one of the fundamental tools with which the ACLU of Arizona fights for equality and civil rights throughout the Valley of the Sun. See below for more information on the cases we’ve brought to the courts.

Click here to view a list of past ACLU of Arizona cases. 

Jordahl v. Brnovich

The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit arguing that an Arizona law requiring all state contractors to certify that they aren’t boycotting Israel violates the First Amendment.

May 23, 2018

Graves v. Penzone

Thousands of men and women booked into Maricopa County jails each year are at risk and are suffering unnecessarily from the scarcity and poor quality of the Maricopa County jails' care.

July 18, 2016 Prisoners' Rights

Cox v. Voyles

On July 22, 2015, the ACLU, the ACLU of Arizona, and the law firm Perkins Coie filed suit against the Sheriff, the County Attorney, and the Clerk of the Superior Court in Pinal County, Arizona, for their enforcement of Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture laws.

July 22, 2015 Privacy and Technology

Toomey v. Arizona

The case is a class action lawsuit against the State of Arizona and the Arizona Board of Regents for denying medically necessary, genderconfirming healthcare to transgender people employed by the state.

November 12, 2020 LGBTQ+ Rights

Doe v. Mayorkas

In June 2015, the ACLU of Arizona filed a lawsuit challenging the inhumane and unconstitutional conditions in detention facilities used by the U.S. Border Patrol in the Tucson Sector.

June 6, 2015 Immigrants' Rights