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
Featured Story
Marine Sues Illinois for Second Amendment Rights
Recent Highlights
Government Bureaucrats Won’t Let These Nepalese Immigrants Open a Business
If the “American Dream” means anything, it means the freedom to put your skills to work providing for yourself and your family. Whether it’s finding a job with an existing company or starting a new business—be i...
The Pursuit of Happiness Is a Fundamental Right
Economic freedom is a constitutional right built into the fabric of the ideals upon which our nation was founded. Unfortunately, courts have relegated it to a kind of second-class status over the years. Now, in a lawsuit...
Violating Constitutional Rights Can Be Child’s Play
It was Thanksgiving of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a Tucson mom named Sarra headed to her grocery store to pick up a turkey. She’d brought her 7-year-old son and his 5-year-old friend along for the ride....
Pushing Back Against a Permission Society
The Supreme Court last month struck down a New York law requiring people to prove to government bureaucrats that they had a “special need” before they could possess a firearm for self-defense. The ruling made hea...
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.
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