At any given time, the ACLU of RI is involved in dozens of legal battles on behalf of civil liberties in the Ocean State. Below is a list of many the cases we have worked on. For our annual case dockets, click here.
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Mar 27, 1988
In re: G.R.K.
LGBTQ Rights
Status: Closed
Successful appeal of a Probate Court decision denying a person’s request to change her first name from a male to female name after undergoing a sex change operation.
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Mar 27, 1988
Parillo v. Parillo
Privacy
Status: Closed
R.I. Supreme Court appeal filed on behalf of a mother barred by Family Court from allowing her boyfriend to stay overnight when her children were present.
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Jan 18, 1988
Addison v. Woonsocket Housing Authority
Economic Justice
Status: Closed
Favorably settled federal lawsuit challenging a Housing Authority policy barring foster children from residing with tenants.
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Mar 28, 1987
Donahue and Lawson v. Dept. of MHRH
Due Process
Status: Closed
Favorably settled federal court challenge to procedures used by state in authorizing the emergency commitment of alcoholics.
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Mar 27, 1987
Kellam v. Burnley
First Amendment
Status: Closed
Successful federal lawsuit on behalf of protesters barred from operating a sailboat with peace banners offshore of Electric Boat.
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Mar 27, 1987
Field v. Field
Privacy
Status: Closed
“Friend of the court” brief filed in state Supreme Court against Family Court custody restrictions on a mother solely because of her sexual orientation; the case was settled.