1 ORGS · 15 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Public Forum Expansion

By leveraging state constitutional free speech provisions to reclassify private spaces as public forums, organizations expand speech rights in commercial areas, because certain private spaces function as de facto public squares and should be held to public accountability standards. This strategy uses litigation to extend free speech protections to privately owned spaces that serve a public function, such as large shopping centers, by invoking state-level constitutional doctrines. It differs from federal-focused free speech litigation by capitalizing on stronger protections in some state constitutions, particularly in jurisdictions like California. This approach challenges the traditional public-private boundary in speech law, creating new venues for protected expression.

1
orgs running it
15
activities of those orgs
2
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Advances pro-life and traditional family legal positions through appellate advocacy AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Argues cases before appellate courts to advance pro-life speech and traditional family values, including a successful California appellate case invalidating a ban on "grisly and gruesome" imagery and litigation supporting religious and familial rights.
  • Challenges government actions on civil rights and constitutional grounds AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Files federal civil rights lawsuits challenging government policies and prosecutions, including those related to election integrity, use of "hate group" designations to target conservative groups, and local zoning or law enforcement actions. Litigates cases involving constitutional challenges to state ballot initiatives and prosecutorial conduct.
  • Challenges government actions perceived as targeting conservative or religious groups AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Files lawsuits against government entities for allegedly using tools like the SPLC "hate group" list to discriminate against conservative organizations, and challenges prosecutions believed to be politically motivated, such as those against Andrew Hess and Trump electors.
  • Defends religious liberty and First Amendment rights in litigation AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Engages in litigation to protect religious liberty and free speech, including securing rulings that local government restrictions on religious expression and speech (such as displaying religious structures or photographing children in public parks) violate constitutional rights. Represents clients in federal and state appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
  • Defends religious liberty and First Amendment rights in litigation AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Represents clients in state and federal courts to protect religious liberty and free speech, including challenges to government restrictions on religious expression and public speech. Achieved rulings such as the Sixth Circuit's affirmation allowing Catholic Healthcare International to hold religious gatherings and display religious structures, and a California appellate ruling striking down a ban on pro-life imagery.
  • Family and adoption rights litigation AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Provides legal representation in child custody, adoption, and family rights cases, including securing a Supreme Court of Virginia ruling affirming the adoption of an Afghan child by a U.S. military-connected family.
  • Federal civil rights litigation on behalf of individuals and businesses AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Files civil rights lawsuits in federal courts across multiple jurisdictions challenging local government actions, including police conduct, zoning decisions, and prosecutions perceived as politically motivated.
  • Free speech litigation on behalf of individuals and organizations AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Represents clients in First Amendment cases challenging government censorship or discriminatory speech policies, including litigation over park photography ordinances, election-related speech, and prosecution of political expression.
  • Legal representation in high-profile election and electoral college disputes AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Represents Trump electors in litigation arising from the 2020 presidential election, including defending against lawsuits filed by Biden electors and appealing adverse rulings in Michigan courts.
  • Litigation to defend religious liberty and First Amendment rights AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Files and argues lawsuits in federal and state courts to protect religious expression, including challenges to government restrictions on religious displays, speech, and gatherings, such as cases involving Catholic Healthcare International and religious advertisements on public transit.
  • Pro-life and sanctity of life legal advocacy AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Advances legal protections for pro-life speech and expression, including challenging bans on graphic imagery in public spaces and litigating cases tied to the moral and constitutional defense of human life.
  • Represents Trump electors in election-related litigation AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Represents Trump/Pence electors in a civil lawsuit filed by Biden/Harris electors in Michigan, including filing appellate briefs and motions to defend against claims and appeal adverse rulings.
  • Represents Trump electors in post-2020 election litigation AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Represents five of the sixteen Trump/Pence electors in a civil lawsuit filed by Biden/Harris electors in Michigan, including filing appellate briefs and motions to dismiss claims lacking legal merit.
  • Represents clients in child custody and adoption cases involving constitutional rights AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Provides legal representation in high-profile adoption and custody cases with constitutional dimensions, including securing a Supreme Court of Virginia ruling in favor of Joshua and Stephanie Mast in their adoption of an Afghan orphan, and representing Richard Mast in related federal litigation.
  • Represents individuals in high-profile family and adoption cases AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER INC
    advocacy
    Provides legal representation in child custody and adoption cases involving constitutional and military-related circumstances, including securing a Supreme Court of Virginia ruling affirming the adoption of an Afghan orphan by a U.S. military family.