The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organisation dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws. Its work spans courts, legislatures, and communities across the country. The organisation maintains a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
The ACLU has argued more cases before the U.S. Supreme Court than any other organisation except the Department of Justice. It operates without government funding, relying instead on member dues, contributions, and grants from private foundations and individuals. The organisation counts more than 4 million members, activists, and supporters.
Working within the civil liberties and legal advocacy space, the ACLU engages on issues including free speech, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and criminal justice reform. Its legal and policy teams bring challenges to laws and government actions they view as infringing on constitutional protections.
