Defending Democracy and Civil Rights in the Courts and in the Streets
About the PCJF
For over 30 years, the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF) has been a leader in the fight to uncompromisingly defend democracy and advance constitutional rights by litigating landmark civil rights and First Amendment cases and providing robust defense to social justice activists and movements. Our work is focused on creating meaningful social and legal changes and dismantling systems of oppression.
Featured Issues
Know Your Rights – When the FBI Knocks – Available in English, Spanish, and Arabic
Use this quick reference guide to know what to do if the FBI comes to your door. Updated KYR resource available in English, Spanish and Arabic.
Free Speech Victory: Charges Dismissed in Trump Administration’s Vindictive Prosecution for Flag Burning Protest Near White House
The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF) and its Center for Protest Law & Litigation provided pro bono representation to U.S. Army veteran and free-speech advocate Jay Carey, who was subjected to vindictive prosecution in federal court by the Trump Administration for burning an American flag in Lafayette Park in front of the White House.
NEW: Know Your Rights – US Citizen Rights When Re-Entering the US at Airports or Land Borders
Use this quick reference guide to know what to do when re-entering the US as a citizen.
Impact Litigation
The Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF), and its Center for Protest Law & Litigation, filed a federal lawsuit against the District of Columbia challenging the Metropolitan Police Department’s “repressive and violent tactics including the authorized indiscriminate use of ‘less lethal’ projectile weapons against peaceful protestors and bystanders, gratuitously and without notice or warning and in order to intentionally retaliate against and inflict pain upon protestors challenging policing in our society.”
The lawsuit seeks to end the MPD’s unconstitutional and punitive tactics of indiscriminately deploying less lethal weapons, including maiming projectiles, into crowds of persons engaged in First Amendment protected activities, in particular those challenging racist police violence.
JOIN THE FIGHT
Your support makes sure we can:
- Defend front-line communities waging the fight for justice
- Mount an uncompromising fight back against police repression
- Challenge outrageous suppressive laws
- Expose government misconduct and operations against the social justice movement.
You have made it possible to fight back – and win – including to bring landmark affirmative constitutional rights cases ratifying and expanding the legal recognition of our cherished rights and restricting illegal police tactics.
How you can help
Help us challenge federal and local law enforcement efforts to punish, threaten and silence movements for change. Join us in the fight for democracy, civil rights, and social and environmental justice – in the courts and in the streets.
PCJF Resource Archive
Find litigation documents, FOIAs, Know Your Rights information, and more in our resource library.
Recent News
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PCJF Executive Director featured in Video Exposing Consequences of Proposed Paramount–Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
PCJF Executive Director Mara Verheyden-Hilliard was featured in a documentary-style video released just ahead of the Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder meeting set for April 23, 2026.
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WATCH: PCJF Executive Director Testifies at Congressional Spotlight Hearing on Proposed Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, Inc
Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, Executive Director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund and Steering Committee member of the Committee for the First Amendment, spoke about the threat to free speech and democracy posed by the proposed Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, Inc at a spotlight hearing convened by Senator Cory Booker.
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New York Times: Justice Dept. Drops Prosecution of Veteran Who Burned American Flag
Excerpts from The New York Times. Read the full article here. “Ms. Verheyden-Hilliard, a lawyer with the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, which is representing Mr. Carey pro bono, said her client had been prosecuted only “at the whims and the directives of a president who has said that he disfavors a particular viewpoint.”
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CBS News: DOJ moves to drop charges against man who burned U.S. flag outside White House
Excerpt from CBS News. Read the full article here.
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NBC News: DOJ drops case against veteran arrested after burning American flag near White House
Excerpts from NBC News. Read the full article here.
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New York Times Opinion: Drafting a New America
Excerpts from The New York Times. Read the full article here.
