Secured a nationwide injunction blocking border wall construction without congressional approval and helped enact power of the purse legislation to ensure future presidents cannot circumvent Congress.
Defending the Rule of Law
Our Work
In the 21st Century, democracies tend to die by the erosion of democratic norms and guardrails rather than at the barrel of a gun.
Would-be authoritarians often abuse their power, using it to eliminate checks and balances, quash dissent, target already marginalized communities, and deepen political divisions.
The Constitution and the laws we have built around it provide tools to constrain authoritarian behavior. But many of the norms and guardrails that help define our democracy are not written into law and are not self-enforcing. Together these restraints must be exercised (and strengthened) to prevent government officials from abusing their power and to ensure the law applies equally to everyone, from the most powerful to the least.
- Uphold the principle that nobody is above the law.
- Ensure accountability for those who have attacked or undermined our democracy — regardless of their political standing.
- Ensure meaningful checks and balances on executive power.
- Stop abuses that target marginalized groups and their ability to participate in democracy.
- Protect the ability of the public and the press to voice dissenting views.
- Protect independent, non-politicized law enforcement and civil servant workforces.
Helped prevent a sitting president from politicizing the Department of Justice to interfere in an election, in part through a multi-year campaign organizing thousands of Department of Justice alumni.
Impact in the News
Congressional Testimony: How to Strengthen Congressional Oversight Capacity Congressional Testimony:
Trump Prosecutions and the Rule of Law
It is crucial that the American public understand the charges against Trump and why it all matters.
November 7, 2023
Federal Appeals Court Rules for Free Speech & Free Enterprise, Rejecting Florida Law Censoring Private Companies’ Speech on Race and Gender
In a major victory for free speech in the workplace, a federal appeals court affirmed the injunction against the employer provisions of HB 7.
March 4, 2024
Big Win: Federal Judge Rules Lawsuit Challenging Removal of Books from School Library Shelves Can Move Forward
In a victory against Escambia County School Board’s removal of books from public school libraries, a federal judge ruled that our lawsuit challenging the removals could move forward.
January 10, 2024
Trump is Not Immune for Actions on Jan. 6, DC Circuit Rules in Civil Case filed by Protect Democracy
Today’s decision makes clear that our constitutional order does not grant former President Donald J. Trump immunity for his attempt to subvert our democracy.
December 1, 2023
Judge Issues Victory for Jessica Denson, Permanently Frees All 2016 Trump Campaign Workers From Illegal NDAs
A judge issued a sweeping victory for former Trump campaign staffer Jessica Denson, signing off on a settlement that will permanently free all 2016 Trump Campaign workers from illegal NDAs.
October 11, 2023
Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss Win Sweeping Victory, Default Judgment Against Rudy Giuliani
Judge orders a trial on the amount of damages take place some time between November 2023 and February 2024.
August 30, 2023
Court Grants Preliminary Approval of Jessica Denson’s Class Action Settlement to Forever Void All 2016 Trump Campaign NDAs
This is a key victory in Obtaining final court approval of a settlement agreement to free Trump campaign workers formerly bound to silence.
June 7, 2023
In a Win for First Amendment Rights, Federal Court Rules That DHS Illegally Targeted Pastor Kaji Douša for Ministering to Migrants and Refugees
In a major victory for religious freedom and free speech, a federal judge in California ruled that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violated
March 22, 2023
Jessica Denson & Protect Democracy on Precipice of Forever Voiding All 2016 Trump Campaign NDAs, Pending Court Approval
Today Lead Plaintiff Jessica Denson and the 2016 Trump presidential campaign filed a proposed settlement agreement to forever free all campaign workers formerly bound to silence.
January 13, 2023
Former Members of Congress Demand Ethics Investigation of Lawmakers Who Sought to Prevent Transfer of Presidential Power
More than three dozen former members of Congress have called for an Office of Congressional Ethics investigation into lawmakers who sought to prevent a peaceful transfer of power.
December 17, 2022
Ideologically Diverse Coalition Urges Congress to Enact National Emergencies Act Reform
An ideologically diverse coalition urges congressional leadership to enact National Emergencies Act reform before the end of the 117th Congress.
December 2, 2022