Defending Rights

🌱 Founding and Early Years

Originally incorporated as the Civil Rights Legal Defense Fund in 1966 and renamed the Law Center for Constitutional Rights in 1967, before settling on its current name, Center for Constitutional Rights, in 1970. It was established by prominent lawyers Arthur Kinoy, William Kunstler, Morton Stavis, and Ben Smith, who brought extensive experience from their civil rights work in the American South. By 1970, CCR was recognized as a significant hub for radical legal thought and activism.

🤝 Merger and Post-9/11 Era

In 1998, CCR merged with the National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee (NECLC), further strengthening its capacity to advocate for constitutional rights. Following the September 11th attacks, CCR became notably active in challenging the Bush administration's policies related to the "War on Terror," including detention, extraordinary rendition, and interrogation practices, notably through landmark cases like Rasul v. Bush.

📜 Dombrowski v. Pfister (1965)

CCR's inaugural major case successfully challenged Louisiana's anti-subversion laws, which were used to intimidate civil rights activists. The Supreme Court ruled that such intimidation had a "chilling effect" on First Amendment rights, deeming the laws unconstitutional.

🗣️ Chicago Seven Trial (1969)

CCR attorneys William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass defended demonstrators arrested after the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The trial highlighted tensions between activists and authorities, with CCR securing acquittals on conspiracy charges and overturning convictions for inciting riots.

🤰 Abramowicz v. Lefkowitz (1972)

This case, argued by CCR's Nancy Stearns, challenged New York's restrictive abortion laws. It was significant for framing the argument around women's right to choose, rather than solely a doctor's right to practice, setting a precedent for similar challenges nationwide.

🏢 Monell v. Department of Social Services (1972)

Initially a challenge to mandatory maternity leave policies, this case evolved into a landmark Supreme Court decision establishing that local governments could be held accountable for unconstitutional acts, creating a vital tool for challenging police misconduct and civil rights violations.

🛡️ State of Washington v. Wanrow (1972)

CCR represented a woman in a self-defense murder case on appeal. The Washington Supreme Court's reversal and subsequent Supreme Court affirmation had significant implications for the legal understanding of self-defense, particularly for women.

✊ United States v. Banks and Means (Wounded Knee) (1974)

CCR attorneys defended leaders of the American Indian Movement involved in the Wounded Knee occupation. Following an extensive trial, charges of conspiracy and assault were dismissed by the U.S. District Court of South Dakota.

🌍 Filártiga v. Peña-Irala (1980)

This pivotal case established the use of the Alien Tort Statute to allow foreign victims of human rights abuses to seek justice in U.S. courts. CCR represented the family of a Paraguayan dissident tortured and killed by police, setting a precedent for holding non-state actors accountable for violations.

💥 Crumsey v. Justice Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (1982)

CCR filed the first civil rights suit against the Ku Klux Klan on behalf of Black women in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who were victims of a KKK attack. The plaintiffs were awarded substantial damages, and an injunction was issued against the KKK.

🇭🇹 Paul v. Avril (1994)

Representing Haitian political activists, CCR sued former dictator Prosper Avril under the Alien Tort Statute for human rights violations. A federal magistrate awarded a significant default judgment, holding Avril accountable for abuses during his rule.

🌃 Daniels, et al. v. City of New York (1999)

This class action lawsuit challenged the NYPD's "stop-and-frisk" policy and alleged racial profiling. The settlement led to the implementation of anti-profiling policies and audits within the NYPD.

🇧🇦 Doe v. Karadzic (2000)

CCR filed suit against Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić for genocide and torture. Karadžić defaulted, and a jury awarded $4.5 billion in damages to victims and survivors.

✈️ Rasul v. Bush (2004)

Representing Guantanamo detainees, CCR argued for their right to challenge their indefinite imprisonment and seek legal representation. The Supreme Court affirmed jurisdiction over the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, establishing the right to habeas corpus review.

🚶 Floyd, et al. v. City of New York, et al. (2013)

A federal class action lawsuit filed by CCR against the NYPD, challenging its widespread practices of racial profiling and "stop-and-frisk" tactics, which disproportionately affected communities of color. A federal judge ruled the NYPD liable for a pattern of unconstitutional practices, leading the City to drop its appeal and engage in a court-ordered remedial process.

📊 Financial Overview

The Center for Constitutional Rights operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Financial reports indicate substantial revenue derived primarily from contributions. For the fiscal year 2023, the organization reported revenues of approximately $14.8 million, with expenses around $12.5 million, resulting in net assets exceeding $42.9 million. This financial stability supports its extensive legal work.

📜 References