Defending liberty and justice for all.

Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit legal organization that defends Americans from government overreach and abuse.

What We Do

We sue the government when it violates Americans’ constitutional rights—and we win.

At PLF, we believe in individual liberty: that when people are free to live peacefully and productively, without interference by government, they improve themselves, their families, and their communities.

We represent hundreds of Americans, free of charge, giving them a day in court to protect their rights.

What we fight for

Property rights

The right to acquire and use property without undue government interference.

Equality and Opportunity

Equal treatment under the law, regardless of sex, race, creed, color, or other differences.

Separation of Powers

The structural protections of our Constitution, which safeguard our individual liberty.

What’s New

September 01, 2023

A Family's Harrowing Encounter with Unjust Search and Seizure

Josh Sabey and Sarah Perkins experience a gripping 72-hour ordeal when their infant son, Cal, falls ill, and their lives spiral into chaos. In the dead of night, Cal’s 103-degree fever sends Sarah rushing to Newton-Wellesley Hospital while Josh stays with their three-year-old, Clarence. Shockingly, doctors discover unrelated injuries—partially healed fractured ribs—leaving Sarah bewildered and suspected of child abuse.

September 28, 2023 | By JAMES BURLING

The Messenger: The Supreme Court’s New Term—Fishing, Free Speech on the Internet, Wealth Tax and More

Discourse: <i>Oppenheimer</i>’s Unlikely Indictment of the Administrative State

September 28, 2023 | By JOSH ROBBINS

Discourse: Oppenheimer’s Unlikely Indictment of the Administrative State

September 20, 2023 | By BRITTANY HUNTER

USA Today: New Orleans social worker asks Supreme Court to protect freedom to work

September 19, 2023 | By LUKE WAKE

Issues & Insights: Why The U.S. Still Remains A Model For The Rest Of The World

September 19, 2023 | By BRITTANY HUNTER

California’s law on who can use the title ‘dr.’ threatens livelihoods of healthcare professionals

September 18, 2023 | By NICOLE W.C. YEATMAN

Three Chevron Deference nightmares: What happens when courts defer to federal agencies

September 13, 2023 | By MARK MILLER

The Center Square: Looking for statesmen on Constitution Day

September 13, 2023 | By LUKE WAKE

Bloomberg Law: Department of Labor Oversteps Authority With Salary Rule

September 13, 2023 | By ERIN WILCOX

Can colleges still use race in admissions?

September 12, 2023 | By ALISON SOMIN ERIN WILCOX

Washington Examiner: Education Department turns a blind eye to universities’ continued racial discrimination

September 07, 2023 | By JOSHUA POLK

Victory for Ohio family! Sixth Circuit rolls back certificate-of-need laws

September 06, 2023 | By DONNA MATIAS

The Orange County Register: How California turns doctors into outlaws

July 14, 2023 | By JOSHUA SABEY AND SARAH PERKINS

The Metrowest Daily News: Former Waltham couple say overzealous child protective service workers need restraint

July 17, 2023

Racial Preferences in Education: Frequently Asked Questions

March 05, 2023 | By STEVEN D. ANDERSON

50 years of fighting — PLF looks back at our beginning

Deep Dive

Sword&Scales

Our signature quarterly magazine explores the issues at the forefront of the fight against government overreach and abuse. Each edition is packed with thoughtful, in-depth essays and first-rate visuals that illuminate our passion for individual liberty—and why we relentlessly defend it.

Explore

Dissed: A Supreme Court Podcast

Dissents have it all: brilliant writing, surprising reasoning, shade, puns, and sometimes historical impact. Although the "losing side" writes them, they’re still important: they can provide a roadmap for future challenges or persuade other justices. In Dissed, attorneys Anastasia Boden and Elizabeth Slattery dig deep into important dissents, both past, and present, and reveal the stories behind them.

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Events

PLF’s work extends past the courthouse doors. We frequently host events to educate the public about our cases, promote PLF’s work in the courts and legislatures, or connect like-minded people with a shared vision for liberty.

Films

PLF’s award-winning films and documentaries show the people behind all the legal briefings, court hearings, and press releases. We tell the stories of how government overreach harms real people and their hopes, ambitions, and livelihoods. These are the real reasons why our work is so important.

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Support Our ClientsHeroes

PLF clients are more than parties to a lawsuit. They are heroes who want to stand up to the government when it stymies their ability to improve their lives. They don’t lack courage, just resources. So, we represent these everyday Americans free of charge.

PLF is 100% funded through the generosity of donors across the country who believe in the American ideals of individualism and liberty. Every PLF donor gives these citizens their day in court to vindicate their rights and set lasting precedent to protect everyone else.

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