First Amendment and Democracy

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The First Amendment is the cornerstone of our free society. The ACLU of Southern California is dedicated to ensuring that all people are free to express themselves – politically, artistically, socially and through other forms of personal expression – without government interference.

The ACLU SoCal is also committed to advocating for strong open government laws and – when necessary bringing cases under those laws – to ensuring that government is transparent and that people have access to public meetings and government records, which enable them to hold the government accountable.

The Latest


Press Release
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Federal Court Orders Protection for Observing, Recording or Reporting DHS Operations in the Central District of California

Ruling in L.A. Press Club v. Mullin affirms journalists, legal observers, and members of the public have a constitutional right to document federal enforcement activity
Press Release
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ACLU AND CO-COUNSEL STATEMENTS ON LAPC V. MULLIN APPROVAL OF CLASS CERTIFICATION FOR PEOPLE WHO RECORD DHS OPERATIONS

Know Your Rights
Voting Rights

Know Your Voting Rights

Press Release
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ACLU Statement on SCOTUS Decision on Muslim American Surveillance Case

Court Cases: Fazaga v. FBI

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Court Case
Jul 31, 2025

Kluwe v. Huntington Beach Union High School District

Court Case
Jun 19, 2025

L.A. Press Club v. Mullin

Court Case
Feb 26, 2025

Alianza Translatinx v. City of Huntington Beach

Court Case
Oct 22, 2024

Blair v. Regents of the University of California