One of the main ways the ACLU of Illinois works to protect civil liberties and civil rights is through litigation. Litigation remains one of the fundamental tools with which our adept legal team fights for equality and civil rights throughout the state. This section of our website documents the cases we’re working on now and those we’ve handled in recent years.
The ACLU of Illinois represented Sarah Spriesch (formerly Sarah Murphy), a paramedic working for the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) who was forced onto leave because she was pregnant and, when she returned...
Visit case page
Jan 12, 2017
Mellott v. Sprague
First Amendment Advocacy
Status: Settlement
The ACLU represents Bryton Mellott, a 22-year-old Urbana resident, unlawfully arrested and jailed for burning an American flag on July 4, 2016 and posting photos of the event to Facebook. Despite clear...
Visit case page
Oct 16, 2016
Harlan v. Scholz
Voting Rights
The ACLU has advocated for years to improve access to the ballot box for all persons. A significant step forward in this area in Illinois came when the State adopted and implemented Election Day...
Visit case page
Aug 23, 2016
Melanie Jones v. Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Women's and Reproductive Rights
Status: Closed
The ACLU of Illinois represented Melanie Jones, a Chicago area woman who was denied critical health care by Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. A Mercy doctor refused to remove Ms. Jones’ intrauterine device...
Visit case page
May 26, 2016
Parents and Students for Privacy v. District 211
LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy
Status: Dismissed
The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Illinois, and Mayer Brown LLP represent three students their parents, along with the Illinois Safe School Alliance, in a case about public schools...
Visit case page
Apr 28, 2016
Katzman and Webber v. Bernadine’s Stillman Inn
First Amendment Advocacy
Status: Active
The ACLU of Illinois represents Alexandra Katzman and Jonathan Webber who were denied the ability to hold their wedding at Bernadine’s Stillman Inn in Galena because they wanted a nonreligious wedding...