HOW DO WE SELECT CASES? The ACLU of Idaho generally files cases that have the potential to affect the civil liberties of large numbers of people rather than those involving a dispute between two parties. The basic questions we ask when reviewing a potential case are:
Is this a significant civil liberties issue? Civil liberties include freedom of speech, the press, religion and association; and also civil rights, which includes voting rights, discrimination against protected classes (race, sex, religion, age, etc.), and aspects of police reform.
What effect will this case have on other people in addition to our client?
Do we have the resources to take this case?
Once we receive your complaint, our legal staff will review your case and contact you as soon as possible in writing.If we cannot help you, we will try to refer you elsewhere. Unfortunately, we cannot take all cases offered us, even those concerning real injustices and constitutional concerns.If your complaint is not pursued by our office, it does not mean it is without merit.It becomes a difficult process when choosing which issues we can adequately address, because we are a small organization with limited resources.Please keep this page and refer to the legal resources listed here, in the event that we cannot accept your case. WHAT DOES IT COST? ACLU cooperating attorneys represent the clients free of charge.Cases are handled by attorneys who are in private practice and volunteer their time. TYPES OF CASES THE ACLU GENERALLY CANNOT ACCEPT In general, we do not handle cases that involve such things as: ·Complaints about Child Protective Services, tax problems, consumer complaints, or complaints against lawyers or judges. ·Criminal prosecutions, probation, or parole ·Divorce, child custody, or wills ·Evictions ·General disputes between employees and employers (for example, disputes centering on wages and hours) ·Landlord-tenant disputes
CAN THE ACLU ADVISE ME ABOUT MY CASE?
If we do not accept your case, the ACLU is unable to give you advice about your case or provide other types of assistance (for example, reviewing your papers or conducting legal research to assist you). Important Note About Deadlines:Many legal issues have time constraints.The ACLU cannot give you advice about the deadlines that apply to your case.To protect your rights, please consult with an attorney promptly to find out what deadlines apply in your case.