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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.

Criticism

Some groups, mostly among the religious right, criticize the ACLU for its opposition to requiring prayers in public schools, display of religious symbols on public property, its support of abortion, and its support of the rights of homosexuals.

The ACLU has also been critized for defending the free speech rights of persons with unpopular or controversial opinions, including neo-Nazi groups and NAMBLA (a pro-pedophilia group).

Critics argue that the ACLU goes beyond its mandate of defending the United States Constitution by opposing capital punishment, in spite of the fact that, in 1976, the US Supreme Court determined that capital punishment is constitutional. The ACLU has continued to fight against the death penalty since its reinstatement in 1976, arguing that it violates the Eighth Amendment restriction against "cruel and unusual punishment."

Official Statements

• "The Bill of Rights are fundamental rights that protect from government abuse of power. These rights are indispensable to a free society."

External Links

• ACLU.org (Official)
• History of the ACLU (Official)
• ACLU history