1851 Center for Constitutional Law
122 E Main St. Columbus, OH 43215
mthompson@ohioconstitution.org
NOTE: ALL new contacts should be sent via email. We do not respond to inquiries made by phone.
(614)-340-9817
Lawsuit: Ohio Ban on “Non-Essential Business” Unconstitutional
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2020 Legal Center: Ohio Ban on “Non-Essential Business” Unconstitutional Without hearings where the State justifies its decisions, the ban violates Due Process Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to enjoin the Ohio Department of Health from continuing to enforce its criminalization of “non-essential business,” as […]
Federal Court Victory: Forbidding More Than Three People from Living Together Violates Ohio Constitution
Ohio cities violate property rights by using zoning to prohibit more than three unrelated people from living in the same home Bowling Green, OH – A federal court late Friday, agreeing with arguments made by the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, held that an Ohio city’s zoning ordinance restricting homes to occupancy by no more than […]
Ohio Cities Cannot Prohibit Use of Security Alarms
Cincinnati’s “alarm tax” violates homeowners’ right to communicate, freedom from double-taxation The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has moved to invalidate a municipal ordinance that forbids homeowners from protecting themselves with a home security alarm unless they first pay a punitive tax to the City of Cincinnati. The legal action against the City of Cincinnati […]
Forbidding More Than Three People from Living Together Violates Ohio Constitution
Ohio cities violate property rights by prohibiting more than three unrelated people from living in the same home February 5, 2018: Bowling Green, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to strike a municipal ordinance that criminalizes greater than three unrelated individuals living in the same home regardless of the size of […]
Sixth Circuit: State Cannot Inspect Ohioans’ Business Records without Warrant
Fourth Amendment prohibits state’s mandate making all business records “available at all times” to state agents January 22, 2018: Columbus, OH – A federal circuit court late yesterday ruled that Ohio’s policies demanding private business records – – without a warrant or any evidence of wrongdoing – – violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection from unreasonable […]
1851 to Supreme Court: Forced Funding of Unions Violates Free Speech
1851 Center Amicus Brief argues that government employees who aren’t union members can’t be forced to pay hundreds of dollars per year to unions Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law petitioned the United States Supreme Court to rule in favor of the Petitioner in a case challenging the constitutionality of public sector […]
Court: $100 Per Day Fines for Yard Signs Unconstitutional
Ohio city’s ban on political yard signs except directly before and after elections violates free speech, property rights August 30, 2017: Toledo, OH – A federal court prohibited an Ohio city from fining citizens who display political yard signs for longer than 67 days. The ruling, made by Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick of the Northern District […]
Lower Your Local Tax Bill This Summer
1851 Center teaches citizens how to use local initiatives to place tax cut proposals on the ballot Are you tired of do-nothing politicians but still looking to make a difference in government? Have you recently opened an envelope with an unacceptably-large property tax bill? Or just paid an unreasonable amount of local income taxes? Unbeknownst […]
Court: Ohio Mayor and His Lawyer Must Pay Sanctions to Family They Sued to Silence
Mayor’s lawsuit “frivolously” violated local bloggers’ right to free speech Cleveland, OH – An Ohio Court ordered Maple Heights, Ohio Mayor Jeffery Lansky and his attorney to pay $9,395 in attorney’s fees and costs to internet critics they sued to silence. In 2014, Lansky and his attorney, Brent English, filed a lawsuit for defamation and […]
Ohio Court: Eminent Domain for Private Pipelines Unconstitutional
Private ethane pipeline to Canada is not a “public use” or “public necessity,” as required by Ohio Constitution Ruling will protect property rights of Ohio farmers and other rural property owners Bowling Green, OH – An Ohio court ruled that private pipeline companies cannot use eminent domain to forcibly seize Ohioans’ private property for purely […]
Taking of Ohioans’ Land for Private Pipeline Unconstitutional
15 families unite and move to dismiss corporation’s case attempting to take their land through eminent domain. Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to dismiss 16 separate eminent domain cases filed in Bowling Green, Ohio by Texas pipeline company Kinder Morgan, explaining that purely private pipeline corporations’ taking of land for […]
Federal Court: State Cannot Inspect Ohio Businesses Without a Warrant
Fourth Amendment prohibits state mandate to make business records, property, and inventory available to state agents “at all times” and “upon demand” Columbus, OH – A federal court ruled that State Agencies violate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches when they, without a warrant or any evidence of wrongdoing, investigate Ohio businesses by simply […]
Ohio Cities’ Pre-Sale Home Inspections Unconstitutional
Legal Center moves to protect Ohioans’ property rights from unlawful searches and fees statewide Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved in federal court to immediately enjoin Ohio cities, and the Cities of Bedford and Oakwood in particular, from enforcing “point of sale” and “presale” programs that require citizens to endure and […]
Top 10 Reasons to Donate to the 1851 Center . . . this Year!
This holiday season, as you’re besieged by end of the year fundraising emails, don’t overlook Ohio’s only charity that consistently defends your constitutional rights and limits government. Here are a few reasons to make room in your budget to contribute to liberty in Ohio before the end of the year: With our help, you really […]
Should Public Officials Be Held Liable for Violating Ohioans’ Rights?
Court considers whether Secretary of State Jon Husted should be required to compensate Ohioans whose First Amendment rights he violated Cincinnati, OH – On Thursday, December 10, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on whether government officials must reimburse the victims of their unconstitutional conduct for the costs and expenses imposed by […]
Court: Ohioans Have Right to Criticize the Performance of Public Officials
Maple Heights Mayor sued to silence local bloggers for “defamation” and “emotional distress,” and violated their right to free speech in doing so Columbus, OH – An Ohio Court late Friday dismissed the case of a Cleveland-area Mayor who sued a local family for “an amount in excess of $25,000” after they questioned his job […]
Ohio School District Forced to Return $5.5 Million in Illegal Taxes to Taxpayers
Indian Hill Board of Education raised taxes without a vote, refused to refund money Cincinnati, OH – After a five-plus year legal battle concluded with an Ohio Court denying all of its objections, the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District Board of Education finally conceded that it must return the $5.5 million that it illegally […]
Ohio Court: Cities Cannot Immediately Seize Private Property When Not For Roads
Court’s ruling places important limits on “quick-take” eminent domain power Columbus, OH – An Ohio Court ruled that the City of Perrysburg’s attempt to immediately seize the land of eleven local homeowners exceeds its power, given the Ohio Constitution’s protection of private property rights. The 1851 Center’s victory curtails the abuse of a practice known […]
Ohioans Beware: State Issue 2
Proposed Constitutional Amendment would prohibit tax reform without stopping monopolies or marijuana legalization as promised Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law took action to clarify for Ohioans State Issue 2, which will appear on the November 3, 2015 ballot. State Issue 2, introduced as an attack on the marijuana legalization effort of […]
Ohio Cities May Not Immediately Seize Rural Township Properties
Eminent Domain Abuse Continues as Cities Attempt to Seize Land Beyond Their Borders, Overuse “Quick-Take” Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has moved to counter the aggressive legal tactics taken by the City of Perrysburg, Ohio to immediately seize the land of eleven Ohio homeowners, including property well beyond city limits. The […]
Federal Court: Cities’ Rental Licensing and Inspection Requirements Unconstitutional
Fourth Amendment secures property rights of landlords from unlawful searches and occupational licensing regulations in Ohio and nationwide Columbus, OH – The Southern District of Ohio ruled that the City of Portsmouth’s occupational licensing requirements imposed upon landlords – – rental property inspections and licensing fees – – violates the Fourth Amendment to the United […]
Update: Amish Daughter Healthy Despite Health Care “Experts”
I visited the home of Andy and Anna Hershberger to deliver the good news that the Medina County Probate Court had at long last formally terminated the guardianship it had created over their now 12-year-old daughter, Sarah. A government hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital, sought to establish the guardianship to take Sarah from her Amish parents […]
Proposed Amendment Will Strengthen Ohio’s Term Limits on Legislators
Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law secured the approval necessary for a coalition of good government advocates to begin the circulation of a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit state legislators to no more than eight years in each House and twelve total years at the Statehouse. The proposal “To Strengthen Ohio […]
Obamacare in Ohio: Outcome of Wednesday’s Supreme Court Argument Will Be Pivotal
Columbus, OH – On Wednesday March 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear its latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act – – this time a challenge to how the President and the IRS are enforcing the law. If that challenge prevails, both the ACA’s employer mandate and tax credits to individuals will be forbidden […]
Private Pipeline Companies May Not Immediately Seize Ohioans’ Properties
Rampant Eminent Domain Abuse Continues Throughout Rural Ohio; However, Ohioans Have Legal Defenses Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to counter the aggressive legal actions taken by Texas Eastern Transmission, a private Texas pipeline corporation, against Ohioans Roger and Lana Barack of Belmont County, alongside hundreds of other Ohio landowners. The […]
Ohio High Court Rebukes School District Tax Increase
Taxpayers cheated by Indian Hill School District’s “Inside Millage Move”, by raising taxes without public vote Cincinnati – Indian Hill School District’s property tax increase without voter permission violated state law, according to unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court of Ohio. This decision rebuffs Ohio school districts’ efforts to take advantage of a legal loophole […]
Ohio Mayor Sues Husband and Wife for $25,000 for Criticizing His Performance
Maple Heights Mayor sues to silence local bloggers for “defamation” and “emotional distress,” violating their right to free speech; 1851 files countersuit Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Mayor of Maple Heights, Ohio, Jeffrey Lansky, against a husband and wife who questioned the Mayor’s […]
Two Ohio Supreme Court Justices Rule for Top Donors Over 88 Percent of the Time
Justice French ruled for Constitutionally Limited Government in Zero of Eight Critical Cases, Justice Kennedy in Five of Eight Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law shared research previously prepared for various citizen groups demonstrating that (1) Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French ruled for constitutionally limited government on zero of the eight […]
Legal Centers to U.S. Supreme Court: Declare Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Licensing Scheme Unconstitutional
Act regulates business in response to constitutionally-protected advertising, and prohibits legitimate purchases of gold and silver, but Sixth Circuit bungled ruling Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law and the Pacific Legal Foundation petitioned the United States Supreme Court to stop enforcement of the “Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Act” against Ohio businesses because […]
Ohio Supreme Court Argument: Can School Districts Raise Your Taxes Without a Vote?
1851 Center argues that Indian Hill School District violated state law by raising property taxes without a vote, while already running huge budget surpluses and maintaining extravagant cash on hand Columbus, OH – The Supreme Court of Ohio on Tuesday heard oral arguments on whether Ohio school districts need voter permission to raise property taxes […]
Legal Center to High Court: Cleveland-Area Stormwater Tax Unconstitutional
Northeast Ohio Sewer District tax on “impervious surfaces” is without legislative authorization, and is a property tax without the required voter approval Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court its Merit Brief asserting that the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, a Cleveland-Akron area administrative agency, lacks authority […]
Supreme Court Argument: Are Ohio’s Political Speech Regulations Constitutional?
1851 Center amicus brief maintains that political class uses elections commission and its regulations to attack grass-roots citizen activity Columbus, OH – The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus – whether Ohioans can stop the enforcement actions of the Ohio Elections Commission, and further, whether regulations prohibiting […]
Ohio Cities’ Rental Licensing and Inspection Requirements Unconstitutional
Legal Center moves to protect property rights of landlords from unlawful searches and licensing regulations in Mt. Healthy, Ohio Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law moved in federal court to immediately enjoin Ohio municipalities, and the City of Mt. Healthy in particular, from enforcing new “Rental Permit Programs” that require small landlords […]
Legal Center to High Court: Traffic Cameras Unconstitutional in Ohio
Toledo’s enforcement scheme for enforcing traffic camera infractions violates Ohio Constitution Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court its brief in Walker v. City of Toledo asserting that the City of Toledo’s method of fining drivers under its automated traffic camera violates the judicial article of the […]
Teachers Union Places 1851 on “Enemies” List
1851 Center responds to unearthed Ohio Education Association “Agenda.” Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law issued the following response to news that Ohio’s largest teachers union, the Ohio Education Association, has named it to its “enemies” list: The 1851 Center learned that OEA invests its time in identifying its enemies, and that […]
Victory for Parental Rights: State Agrees to End Stand-Off with Amish Family over Forced Health Care
Official who had sought to take family’s daughter from home and force chemotherapy on her, despite parent’s earnest objections and Health Care Freedom Amendment, resigns as guardian Family will continue to pursue alternative treatment Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law accepted the Resignation as Limited Guardian of a state official attempting to, […]
State’s Forced Chemotherapy on Amish Child Violates Parental Rights, Health Care Freedom Amendment
State sues to take Amish family’s daughter and force chemo on her after chemo nearly kills her and family chooses different treatment option
amishColumbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today began representation of Andy and Anna Hershberger, parents of Sarah Hershberger, a ten year old Amish girl upon whom the State of Ohio, through Akron Children’s Hospital, seeks to force an unnecessary and potentially-deadly form of chemotherapy.
Federal Court: SB 47 Restrictions on Petition Circulation Unconstitutional
Key features of Senate Bill 47 “reform” violate First Amendment speech and associational rights of Ohioans, restrict free trade Columbus, OH – A federal court enjoined the state from enforcing Senate Bill 47’s new limits on Ohioans’ Initiative and Referendum rights. Specifically, the Court held that Ohio’s new ban on Ohioans contracting with non-Ohioans to […]
Lawsuit: Ohio’s Attempted Medicaid Expansion Unlawful
Governor’s end-run around the Ohio General Assembly violates the separation of powers, Controlling Board’s vote impermissibly contradicts General Assembly intent Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law late yesterday moved in the Ohio Supreme Court, on behalf of six veteran Ohio legislators and two of Ohio’s largest pro-life organizations, to stop Ohio’s executive […]
Sixth Circuit Oral Argument: Is Ohio’s “Precious Metals Dealer Act” Constitutional?
Court considers whether to protect Ohio business owners’ right to advertise and sustain invalidation of burdensome regulation of coin dealers Cincinnati, OH – The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Ohio Precious Metal Dealer Act, which imposes strict limits on precious metals purchasers and businesses in Ohio. Through […]
Legal Center Moves to Protect Ohioans’ Initiative and Referendum Rights from Legislative Suppression
Key features of Senate Bill 47 “reform” violate Ohio Constitution and First Amendment speech and associational rights, restrict free trade Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved in federal court to immediately enjoin the state from enforcing Senate Bill 47’s new limits on Ohioans’ initiative and referendum rights. The legislation, which […]
Bill Authorizing Warrantless Searches of Ohioans’ Cell Phone Activity Derailed
Stalled in Committee after 1851 Testimony, Bill would permit sharing of “any information” to law enforcement, if not amended Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law took action that stalled passage of Senate Bill 5, legislation that, if enacted, would permit warrantless acquisition, by state and local law enforcement, of Ohioans’ travels and […]
U.S. Supreme Court Petitioned to Review Ohio PAC Laws
1851 Center asks United States Supreme Court to review Ohio Political Action Committee regulations on behalf of Geauga County blogger’s First Amendment rights Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, in cooperation with the Washington D.C.-based Center for Competitive Politics, late yesterday petitioned the United States Supreme Court to weigh in on the […]
IRS Targeting of 1851 Center in May of 2010 Demonstrates Broader Corruption
IRS harassment was not limited to “tea party” organizations, and began earlier than many believe Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized that Internal Revenue Service harassment of groups advocating for limited government extends as far back as early 2010, and includes organizations exclusively dedicated to protecting constitutional rights, including the 1851 […]
Banning Internet Cafes to Benefit Casinos: Unconstitutional and Inadvisable
Attacking politically weak small businesses at behest of influential larger businesses is wrong way for Republicans to begin new legislative session Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized to Ohio’s state senators and representatives that “priority” legislation to shut down Ohio’s 800-plus internet cafes is inconsistent with principles of limited government, […]
High Court Will Determine Ohioans Right to Challenge JobsOhio
1851 Center argues that state taxpayers maintain standing to challenge the constitutionality of Corporate Welfare Columbus, OH – The Supreme Court of Ohio heard arguments on January 23 to determine the extent to which Ohioans may take legal action to force state government to comply with constitutional spending, indebtedness, and corporate welfare constraints. The 1851 […]
Eminent Domain Abuse Continuing Along Ohio Pipeline Route
1851 Center stops abuse in Licking County, offers free assistance to property owners threatened with taking of property by private pipeline corporation Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today condemned a private pipeline corporation’s continued assertion of legal authority to take Ohioans’ private property for its own benefit, and threatened litigation, should […]
Ohio Constitution Prohibits Legislators from Enacting State Insurance Mandates
Legal center advises Ohio legislators that mandating health treatments and benefits violates Ohio’s Health Care Freedom Amendment Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today emphasized to Ohio’s state senators and representatives that the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment, added to Ohio’s Bill of Rights in late 2011, prohibits the state from mandating […]
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Federal Court: Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Licensing Scheme Unconstitutional
Act regulates business in response to constitutionally-protected advertising, and prohibits legitimate purchases of gold and silver Columbus, OH – A federal court late yesterday ruled that Ohio’s regulatory scheme governing those purchasing gold, silver, and other precious metals – the Precious Metals Dealers Act- violates the First Amendment. The ruling, made by Judge Watson of […]
Legal Center to High Court: Ohio PAC Laws Violate First Amendment
1851 Center asks Ohio Supreme Court to review Ohio Political Action Committee regulations on behalf of Geauga County Blogger Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today applied to the Supreme Court of Ohio for jurisdiction over a case challenging the nation’s strictest Political Action Committee regulations. The legal action is filed on […]
1851 Center Applauds Kasich Agreement on Obamacare Exchange
Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today registered its approval, on behalf of conservative and libertarian leaders throughout Ohio, of the Kasich Administration’s agreement to refuse to implement a “state-run” Obamacare exchange. The Administration’s agreement is significant for several reasons: The agreement averts litigation that would have pitted Section 21, Article I […]
Legal Center Move to Protect Rights of Ohio Gold and Silver Dealers to do Business
Regulations prohibit advertising and impose warrantless searches Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved in federal court to immediately enjoin the state from enforcing the “Ohio Precious Metals Dealers Act,” against Ohio coin dealers threatened with criminal sanction for advertising their businesses, and sweeping warrantless searches of their business records and […]
Federal Court: University of Cincinnati Speech Restrictions on Students Permanently Enjoined
Students supporting “right to work” amendment cannot be arrested for discussing amendment and gathering signatures on campus Cincinnati, OH – A federal court today permanently enjoined the University of Cincinnati’s blanket prohibition on student political speech on campus as a violation the First Amendment. The ruling, made by Judge Black of the Cincinnati division of […]
Ohio Candidates Can’t Hide Behind Anti-Tax-Pledge Statute
To hold their elected officials accountable, a conglomerate of conservative, libertarian, and tea-party groups representing Ohio taxpayers have recently devised two pledges for state legislative candidates. These pledges are directed toward educating Ohio voters as to who can be counted on to limit onerous taxation and regulation. Specifically, the taxpayers call upon legislative candidates to […]
Petitions Submitted to Place Repeal of Westerville School Levy Tax on November Ballot
Columbus, OH – Proponents today delivered over 5,100 signatures to the Franklin County Board of Elections to place an effective repeal of the March school levy tax increase on the November ballot. So long as 3,585 of these signatures are declared valid, the initiative would effectively repeal the 6.71 mil tax increase narrowly approved in […]
Enforceability of Ohio Constitution at Stake in Standing Dispute over JobsOhio
1851 Center supports Progress Ohio’s standing to challenge the constitutionality of JobsOhio Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court a “friend of the court” brief asserting that Progress Ohio and other left-wing challengers must be found to have taxpayer and “public interest” standing to challenge […]
Federal Court Enjoins Shaker Heights from Blocking Message of Tax-Increase Opponents
Cleveland, OH – A federal court enjoined the City of Shaker Heights from further harassment of Shaker Heights residents city officials silenced through threat of a frivolous trademark lawsuit. The threat had come in retaliation for the citizens’ opposition to the City of Shaker Heights’ attempt to increase income taxes on residents through an August […]
Legal Center: Shaker Heights Threats to Tax-Increase Opponents Unconstitutional
Cleveland, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today filed suit in federal court on behalf of Shaker Heights residents whom city officials threaten to silence through threat of a frivolous trademark lawsuit. The threat comes in retaliation for the citizens’ opposition of the City of Shaker Heights’ attempt to increase income taxes on […]
Obamacare: The Way Forward in Ohio
Friends, You, like me, were no doubt inundated with punditry on the fallout of the Obamacare ruling last Thursday and Friday. We didn’t follow suit. I did not found the 1851 Center to gab. We exist to advance liberty and limit government, whether we’re taking the lead, or simply supporting you. Of course, we’re not […]
Federal Court: University of Cincinnati Speech Restrictions on Students Unconstitutional
Students supporting “right to work” amendment cannot be arrested for discussing amendment and gathering signatures on campus Cincinnati, OH – A federal court today ruled that the University of Cincinnati’s blanket prohibition on student political speech on campus violates the First Amendment. The ruling, made by Judge Black of the Cincinnati division of the Southern […]
High Court Rebukes Attack on Cincinnati Charter Schools
CPS Deed Restrictions Against Charter and Private Schools Illegal, Cincinnati Charter Schools to Remain Open Columbus – Cincinnati Public Schools’ (CPS) policy of prohibiting the sale of unused available public school buildings to charter schools and private schools is unlawful and must end, ruled the Supreme Court of Ohio. This decision rebuffs CPS efforts to […]
Westerville Taxpayers Move to Repeal March Tax Increase
On May 7, 2012 taxpayers for Westerville Schools, with the representation of the 1851 Center,commenced circulation of an initiative petition to repeal the 6.71 mil tax increase narrowly approved in March after taxpayers defeated a similar measure at the November 2011 general election. The Westerville effort marks the inaugural action of the 1851 Center in […]
Center Participates in Civil Rights Forum
On April 4, 2012, The 1851 Center participated in an event conducted by The Ohio Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. The forum was aimed at investigating barriers to economic development in the state of Ohio and was conducted at Wilmington College. Maurice Thompson, executive director of the Center, explained that economic freedom is […]
1851 Center Efforts cited in Missouri News Horizon
On March 12, 2012, The Missouri News Horizon wrote about the economic damage caused by Kansas’s ban on smoking in bars. The article details the hardships placed on small business owners and cites the efforts of the 1851 Center. Read the full article here.
Is an Obamacare Exchange Legal in Ohio?
This 1851 Center analysis explains how the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment, Section 21 of Ohio’s Bill of Rights, forbids Ohio officials from imposing Obamacare health care exchanges on Ohioans. The document also explores reasons that such exchanges are an unwise policy choice.
Legal Centers Move to Protect Rights of University of Cincinnati Students to Petition for Workplace Freedom on Campus
On February 22, 2012, The 1851 Center filed suit in federal court on behalf of UC students prohibited from gathering signatures and simultaneously discussing the Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment with their fellow students. The legal action, which includes a demand for an immediate injunction against UC’s policies prohibiting non-disruptive political speech, was filed on behalf […]
Defending School Choice
Healthcare Freedom Amendment Discussion
Maurice Thompson discussed Issue 3 (The Ohio Healthcare Freedom Amendment) with Empower U, which is an initiative of several Tea Party groups, built to help educate people about limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Ohioans Submit Brief to U.S. Supreme Court Challenging Constitutionality of Individual Mandate
The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law has submitted to the United States Supreme Court a “friend of the court” brief asserting that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is unconstitutional. The brief highlights for the High Court Ohioans’ placement of the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment (“Issue 3”) in Ohio’s Bill of […]
Center Provides A Guide to Reducing Your School District Tax Burden
Ohio school districts continue to surrender to political pressure at the collective bargaining table, failing to curtail school employees’ lucrative compensation packages. And while this undisciplined spending could manifest itself in the form of reasonable lay-offs or pay-cuts, history demonstrates it to be more likely that Ohioans across the state will soon confront a flurry […]
Workplace Freedom Amendment
Press conference for the unveiling of the Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment, an effort to place a constitutional amendment before voters to make Ohio a Right to Work state.
Ten Principles Vital to Engaging in Civic Duty
1851 Center Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses “Ten Principles” of civic involvement during a forum at the LC Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio.
Healthcare Freedom Amendment Discussion
Watch the latest video at video.insider.foxnews.com
Workplace Freedom Amendment Videos
Issue 2 Debate
Here, management-side labor attorney Gary Greenberg and union counsel Stephen Lazarus debate the legal impact of Senate Bill 5 at a forum hosted by the Columbus Chapter of the Federalist Society and the 1851 Center.
Freedomwatch Appearance
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News’ Freedom Watch Live at OSU.
OSU Federalist Society Address
Maurice Thompson addresses smoking bans, state constitutional law and private property rights during a presentation to the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Federalist Society on January 13, 2011.
NPR Debate
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson debates liberal academics and activists on the significance of the nation’s guiding document on National Public Radio’s “To the Point” program. Thompson argues the Constitution is a binding contact between the people and government in which the peoples’ rights and liberties are articulated.
Workplace Freedom Amendment Petitions Being Circulated for Inclusion on the 2012 Ballot
The Ohio Workplace Freedom Amendment, which would “guarantee the freedom of Ohioans to choose whether to participate in a labor organization as a condition of employment,” will appear on the November 2012 ballot if 386,000 signatures are submitted by early July. Specifically the Amendment would provide that, in Ohio: No law, rule, agreement, or arrangement […]
First Bar Loses Liquor License Over Smoking Ban Fines
In a continuing effort to get bars, restaurants and private clubs to pay fines they owe from the state smoking ban, the state has started to pull the liquor licenses of bars that owe money.
Ohio Tax Day
This is the Columbus Ohio Tax Day 2010 Tea Party.
Smoking Ban Moves To Court
A smoking ban case involving Zeno’s now goes before the Supreme Court.
The Health Care Mandate: Is it Constitutional?
The Columbus Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society presents a discussion on the federal health care mandate at the Columbus Athletic Club on July 10, 2010.
Watchdog Red Light Camera Law ‘Fundamentally Flawed’
Thompson discusses the red light camera law in a story for WBNS and ONN News.
Ohio AG Certifies 1851’s Health Care Amendment Language
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray certifies constitutional amendment language drafted by the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law on behalf of the Ohio Liberty Council as fair and truthful. The amendment seeks to block implementation of federal health care mandates.
Maurice Thompson on ONN’s Capitol Square
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses the Ohio Liberty Council’s state constitutional amendment aimed at blocking implementation of the national health care reform law in Ohio. This is the first of two videos.
Maurice Thompson on ONN’s Capitol Square
1851 Center for Constitutional Law Executive Director Maurice Thompson discusses the Ohio Liberty Council’s state constitutional amendment aimed at blocking implementation of the national health care reform law in Ohio. This is the second of two videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the first of six videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the second of six videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the third of six videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the fourth of six videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the fifth of six videos.
Thompson Discussing Health Care Reform at a Tea Party Event
Chris Littleton, Ohio Liberty Council President, and Maurice Thompson, executive director of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, explain tea party groups’ proposed constitutional amendment to stop mandated health care coverage from taking effect in Ohio. This is the sixth of six videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the first of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the second of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the third of four videos.
Thompson During a Fox News Freedom Watch
Maurice Thompson and Judge Andrew Napolitano discuss how the government strays from the Constitution during a special taping of Fox News Freedom Watch live at OSU. This is the fourth of four videos.
How Ohio Can Fight National Health Care
In this video Maurice Thompson of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law explains why the proposed federal health care bills are problematic from a utilitarian, moral, and constitutional perspective. In part two Maurice will talk about how Ohio can fight the mandates. This is the first of two videos.
How Ohio Can Fight National Health Care
Maurice Thompson of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law explains how Ohio can fight unconstitutional health care mandates using the Ohio constitution. This is the second of two videos.