Political Speech for Limited Government

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Ohio’s Pandemic Reform Bill: Good and Bad

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2021   Ohio General Assembly adopted key 1851 Center recommendations, but other than leveling legal playing field, leaves Governor and ODH unchecked   Columbus, OH – In overriding the Ohio Governor’s…

Prohibiting Undercover Reporting on Political Campaigns Violates Constitution

Legal Center: Ohio law violates non-profit journalists’ right to investigative and report on political campaigns Columbus, OH – The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law today moved to enjoin an Ohio statute that forbids undercover investigation…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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'…
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Signatures Submitted to Place Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment on November Ballot

Columbus, OH – Supporters today will deliver more than 546,000 signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State to place the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment on the November ballot.   The amendment would add a 21st Section to Ohio’s Bill of…
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Slingluff v. Andover Twp.

The First Amendment clearly protects the right to gather on the public square, speak out in support of limited constitutional government, and critique the current state of affairs. The government's action in this case, ironically, demonstrates…
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Ohio Liberty Council v. Brunner

On March 22, 2010, the Ohio Liberty Council began the process of the placing a health care freedom constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot. The group filed petition summary language and nearly 3,000 signatures from registered…
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LetOhioVote.org v. Brunner

August 3, 2009: 1851 Center Files Amicus In Supreme Court Slots Case The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed an amicus brief in LetOhioVote.org v. Brunner with the Ohio Supreme Court. This filing supports a public vote on video slot…
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COAST v. City of Cincinnati

In May 2009, the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed, in Federal Court, a motion to restrain the City of Cincinnati and its agents from harassing citizens who are demanding that the City put its $200 million trolley project to a vote. The…