Justice in Action (Cases)
Through our litigation program, Justice in Action, CLDC provides free legal representation or referrals to frontline climate and social justice activists.
CLDC’s attorneys are licensed only in the following jurisdictions: U.S. Supreme Court; Oregon state courts; 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, Federal, and DC federal appellate courts; the federal Court of Claims; and the federal district courts for Oregon; North Dakota; and Eastern District of Michigan. We do handle cases in many other jurisdictions through “pro hac vice” (one case only) procedures.
Climate Activist Defense
Other Necessity Defense Cases
Protest & State Repression
SLAPPs and other Lawfare
Amicus Briefs
Green Scare
Activist Defense
CLDC represents activists who, in the course of fighting for a better world, are arrested and criminally charged. We believe their courage deserves the best possible legal defense that can incorporate their political, social, and philosophical motivations. Because we believe that many of these activists are acting out of necessity, we do not charge attorney fees to represent them. At any given time, CLDC attorneys represent numerous activists in criminal cases involving action-related arrests.
Civil Rights Litigation
CLDC holds powerful corporations and governments accountable for violating the constitutional rights of activists and marginalized communities through civil litigation. For example, we sue police for excessive force, and local and state governments for unlawful surveillance. CLDC’s civil practice is shaped and driven by a desire to protect people’s rights — especially those who lack the financial means to secure legal representation — and create a lasting impact through creating and reinforcing legal precedents. In general, we take on cases that have the potential to change or reinterpret unfavorable laws and policies.
SLAPP Suits/“Lawfare” Defense
CLDC also represents people who are hit with “SLAPP” suits — Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation — and other types of “lawfare” because of their activism. For example, people who speak out againt powerful corporations or white supremists often get sued for “defamation” and are forced to hire attorneys to defend against often-frivolous claims. We are one of the few resources in the nation for free representation of activists in such cases.