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Revision as of 15:54, 26 August 2003 by 66.82.116.82 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)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. In addition to its role in cases involving civil liberties, the ACLU also opposes the death penalty, as a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
The organization is controversial, in part because it has often provided legal resources to defend the civil liberties and rights of extremists and unpopular organizations, such as American Nazis, and the North American Man Boy Love Association, alleged to be an organization promoting pedophilia.
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