The Special Litigation Section is one of several Sections in the Civil Rights Division. We work to protect civil rights in the following areas: 1) the rights of people in state or local institutions, including: jails, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, and health care facilities for persons with disabilities; 2) the rights of individuals with disabilities to receive services in their communities, rather than in institutions; 3) the rights of people who interact with state or local police or sheriffs' departments; 4) the rights of youth involved in the juvenile justice system; 5) the rights of people to have safe access to reproductive health care clinics; and 6) the rights of people to practice their religion while confined to state and local institutions. We can also act on behalf of people at risk of harm in these areas.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Parties Close to Settlement to Conclude Investigation and Begin Process of Jail Reform Overseen by a Federal Court
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Findings Show Pattern or Practice of Discriminatory Policing Against Latinos
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The United States and the city of Portland, Ore., announced today that they have reached a preliminary agreement to make changes to Portland Police Bureau policies, practices, training and supervision.
The City of New Orleans and DOJ are seeking firms and/or individuals to serve as a Consent Decree Court Monitor to monitor the NOPD pursuant to a
consent decree executed between the City and DOJ. Learn more about the NOPD investigation and settlement
here.
DOJ findings regarding conditions at the Topeka Correctional Facility in Kansas.
DOJ findings regarding due process and equal protection at the Shelby County Juvenile Court.
The Department of Justice
finds that the Meridian Police Department, the Lauderdale County Juvenile Court, and the Mississippi Division of Youth Services are violating the Fourth Amendment and Due Process rights of juveniles in Meridian who are referred for law enforcement action by public schools. DOJ's investigation of Equal Protection violation allegations is ongoing. The Department welcomes any information from the community. If you have comments or concerns, please feel free to contact us at
Community.Meridian@usdoj.gov.
On December 2, 2011, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas E. Perez sent identical letters to more than 150 local law enforcement agencies in Alabama, informing them of the Division’s monitoring activities and reminding them of their obligations to engage in non-discriminatory policing.
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