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Abuses of power

Abuses of power are no longer the exception — it’s the norm for our federal government and many state officials. By using the courts to hold leaders accountable, local governments can help safeguard our democracy and protect civil rights.
collage with a woman holding sign reading 'hands off my rights'

Government abuse of power is a direct threat to civil rights and undermines our democratic values. History has shown us that unchecked power leads to violations like censorship and discrimination.

And now, we’re witnessing government overreach and efforts to undermine the will of voters happen across the country. In Florida, we’ve seen attacks on free speech and retaliation against elected prosecutors in Georgia and Tennessee. And, these are just a few examples.

These abuses are a threat to the rule of law, but our local governments provide a path to fight back. Now more than ever, allies and advocates for civil rights need support protecting the people they serve. 

Public Rights Project partners with local governments to challenge abuses of power by federal and state officials. Through legal support, we fight against efforts to undermine local officials who are carrying out the mandates given to them by voters.

Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
State capitol building

How we work

Local government officials need additional capacity, training, and immediate, nimble legal support to challenge abuses of power. We have solutions.

Litigation: We provide direct legal representation to local governments in cases where state leaders work to strip power from communities. 

Training: We provide training that prepares local government officials with the skills to be able to litigate effectively — either with us or on their own.

Convenings: We bring local government officials together to foster collaboration, address civil rights challenges, and develop actionable solutions.

Storytelling: We share stories of local officials standing up for rights protection and pushing back against power grabs by state officials.

 

What we do

Our impact

Challenging abuses of power
We’ve defeated efforts to retaliate against elected prosecutors in three states, ensured fair electoral maps in four states, won relief for workers harmed by corporate greed in California, and defended voting rights to weigh in on abortion rights in four states.
Number of prosecutors and government lawyers trained in the principles and practices of equitable implementation
Number of jurisdictions where local elected officials and community leaders have countered abuses of power

Featured legal cases

Fight against abuses of power

We’re ready to provide legal support and training to government officials who are challenging state and federal abuses of power and advancing local protections.
Contact us

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