Cases

We litigate 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 file amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs addressing civil liberties issues in cases initiated by others. Our legal work is pro bono: we never charge for our services.

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Aug 11, 2016

Kenny v. Wilson

Status: Victory!

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit challenging South Carolina’s “disturbing schools” law. The law allows students in school to be...

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Apr 30, 2015

One Man, One Vote - Victory for the ACLU in Jasper County

Status: Victory!

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on June 15, 2014 in federal court seeking an injunction against further use of a malapportioned districting plan for the Jasper County School District in South...

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Nov 1, 2014

Social Security Administration Recognition of Marriage in SC

South Carolina has been issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples since November 2014, but the Social Security Administration has failed to issue instructions authorizing its clerks to accept these...

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Oct 1, 2014

Choice of Name After Marriage

Status: Victory!

On behalf of three plaintiffs, we filed suit against the SC DMV in October 2014 for its refusal to accept out-of-state marriage certificates as evidence of a name change for individuals who had married...

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Mar 4, 2014

United States V. South Carolina

Status: Victory!

The civil rights coalition that challenged South Carolina’s anti-immigrant law, Act 69 (also known as SB 20), reached an agreement with the state that permanently blocks key provisions and provides strict...

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Mar 6, 2013

FOIA - Information Request on Military Weapons and Tactics

We filed public records requests (FOIAs) with the sheriff departments of Beaufort, Horry, Richland and York Counties to determine the extent to which local police departments are using federally subsidized...

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