The U.S. Constitution provides a basic minimum of protection for individual rights, while leaving states free to enact laws that protect those rights more broadly. Unfortunately, our constitutional rights are being undermined by all levels of government. The Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation is dedicated to defending individual liberty in court, while our Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy works to defend our founding principles and instill those values into our next generation of Americans.
Constitutional Rights
Recent Highlights
Tennessee Dad’s Rights Vindicated in Federal Court Decision
A dad in Tennessee was unfairly banned from attending his daughter’s softball games—all because he sent a message to his daughter’s coach. But now, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision upholdi...
A Is for the American Dream Inspires Next Generation at Constitution Day Celebration
We are facing a crisis in our education system. According to a recent study , most Americans lack a basic understanding of their constitutional rights. Many cannot even name the three branches of government. That’s w...
ASU Names Timothy Sandefur as Barry Goldwater Chair in American Institutions
Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership has announced that Goldwater Institute Vice President for Legal Affairs Timothy Sandefur will serve as the 2023-2024 Barry Goldwater Chair...
VICTORY! Phoenix Judge Declares Homeless ‘Zone’ Illegal—Orders City to Abate Nuisance
A Maricopa County judge declared Phoenix’s homeless “Zone” an illegal public nuisance this afternoon after property and business owners in the area sued the city for encouraging hundreds of homeless people to resi...
More About Our Work to Defend Constitutional Rights
Free Speech on Campus
Violent protests have shut down speakers on campuses across the country, and administrators are refusing to protect speakers’ and students’ First Amendment rights. Our nation’s precious tradition of freedom of speech is increasingly imperiled in universities and in society at large. Read about Goldwater’s plan to restore free speech on campus.
Defending the Second Amendment
Cities and states routinely overstep their authority and trample on our constitutional rights. In Illinois, for example, the state deprives citizens of their Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms through a constitutionally questionable application process that is indefinitely delaying citizens’ ability to purchase a firearm. The Goldwater Institute’s team of attorneys are suing the state to ensure the Second Amendment is upheld. Read more about the case.
Ensuring Equal Protection for Native American Children
All children deserve the equal protection of the law. But under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Native American children are deprived of the legal protections that children of other races enjoy. The Goldwater Institute is challenging this law and fighting to defend the constitutional rights of these children. Read more about it here.
More Issues
Property Rights
Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.
Jobs & Economy
When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.
Free Speech
Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.
Healthcare
Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.
Constitutional Rights
Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.
Limited Government
Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.
Education
Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.
Academic Transparency
Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.
Donate Now
Help all Americans live freer, happier lives. Join the Goldwater Institute as we defend and strengthen freedom in all 50 states.
Donate NowSince 1988, the Goldwater Institute has been in the liberty business — defending and promoting freedom, and achieving more than 400 victories in all 50 states. Donate today to help support our mission.
We Protect Your Rights
Our attorneys defend individual rights and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Need Help? Submit a case.