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| The ACLU was formed in ] as the '''Civil Liberties Bureau''', during the time of the ]. Founders include ] and ]. | The ACLU was formed in ] as the '''Civil Liberties Bureau''', during the time of the ]. Founders include ] and ]. | ||
| ==Criticism== | |||
| Some groups, mostly among the ], criticize the ACLU for its opposition to requiring prayers in public schools, display of religious symbols on public property, its support of ], and its support of the rights of ]. | |||
| The ACLU has also been critized for defending the free speech rights of persons with unpopular or controversial opinions, including neo-Nazi groups and ] (a pro-] group). | |||
| Critics argue that the ACLU goes beyond its mandate of defending the ] by opposing ], in spite of the fact that, in 1976, the ] determined that capital punishment is constitutional. The ACLU has continued to fight against the ] since its reinstatement in 1976, arguing that it violates the ] restriction against "cruel and unusual punishment." | |||
| ==Official Statements== | |||
| *"The ] are fundamental ]s that protect from ] abuse of power. These rights are indispensable to a ] ]." | |||
Revision as of 14:32, 26 August 2003
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an American non-governmental organization devoted to defending civil rights and liberties. Lawsuits brought by the ACLU have been central to several important developments in U.S. constitutional law. The ACLU provides lawyers and legal expertise in cases where it believes that Civil Rights are being violated.
The ACLU was formed in 1920 as the Civil Liberties Bureau, during the time of the Palmer Raids. Founders include Crystal Eastman and Roger Baldwin.
External Links
- ACLU.org (Official)
- History of the ACLU (Official)
- ACLU history